Thanks for replying to my concern. I think your response definitely addressed my question and I’m glad to see your efforts are aimed to encourage fellow pastors who struggle with the daunting call.

I apologize for misinterpreting your intent, and perhaps even your tone.

God bless you and may you continue to do wonderful things for God.

Michel

Thanks for the comments. I love hearing feedback on my blog. 

I do see where it could appear that I downplayed my earlier, non-paid experiences. The truth is I volunteered my time, in some great churches, small and large, for about 5 years before stepping into full time ministry. However, the post was written to the individuals I’ve meet along life’s journey who claim they have a call to greatness, yet never seem to take the necessary action steps toward their goal. I believe that if God called you to touch even one life, we should strive toward that goal with ambition that would make a Fortune 500 CEO look like a slacker. After all, if God Himself called, shouldn’t that calling be taken as serious as growing a large fortune or corporation? The reality is the ambition I write from is not of my own renowned, but only to make Jesus famous. There was a time when selfishness may have been my motivation, but through tough lessons learned, my striving has less and less to do with me. I have truly found my dignity and worth in Jesus and not in what I do, even if what I am doing is for his glory. I’ll share more on that thought in later posts. Keep reading!   

Not to sound defensive, but what is more prideful, sharing ones saga or calling into question someones character who you have never met, after reading a few lines of a blog and hearing only portions of the story. 

While I welcome conversation, even constructive criticism, I do not respond well to miss guided attempts at correction.

Again, thank you for the comments.  

I came across your blog through a friend’s website. I want to first commend you for your enthusiasm for ministry and your willingness to share your experiences with other believers who might be struggling with the same challenges you faced.

I certainly agree that there is a mysterious unity between God’s sovereignty for our lives and our responsibility to take up action so that we may glorify the Lord with our lives.

However, I find it troubling that you would write so dismissively about some of the early opportunities you faced, as though smaller churches or less exciting opportunities might in some way not be part of God’s will for your ministry. As though your talents and great efforts would be wasted on such measly opportunities. I hope that is now how you intended to come across, and my guess is that your main point was not to be complacent in the lives we lead for God.

But do be cautious when the colors of inner pride show. Remember that you are a pastor, and people are reading your words (even people you’ve never met before). Don’t write about your ministry the way an ambitious business man might write about his climb along the corporate ladder.

I myself struggle with pride in my own ways, I admit, and have made the mistake to post arrogant thoughts publicly on Facebook and such. But as a pastor, you are held to much higher standards. Please honor God not through bragging rights but with humility.

God bless,

Michel

I would agree with most of that.
Praying but not doing anything to get where you want to be
is like a guy in a boat with only one oar in the water, and we
know where that will get you.

Put the other oar in and work them both and things will move along.

Later,

Dad