Shedding the Green :: intro

I have been in full time ministry now for a little over two years. Prior to this time I served as a pastoral intern at the same church (Omaha Bible Church, Omaha, NE). The last couple of years have been the spiritual equivalent of riding in the first car on the Mamba at Worlds of Fun (see video below). There have been times of excitement, fear, exhilaration, embarrassment, immaturity, fun and a desire to keep riding (I stayed away from the obvious ‘ups and downs’ reference). It has been, without trying to be trite, awesome. I have truly enjoyed myself and could never imagine myself doing anything else.

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When I look back on some of the things that have happened I often cringe. But that cringe is quickly replaced by a fresh recognition of the sovereignty of God; for how else can I explain the fact that I have not completely messed things up?

I am regularly reminded of God’s sovereignty in that I have never been to seminary. I completed a three-year internship here in the local church and God has seen fit to surround me with godly leaders who understand discipleship and the priority of training men for leadership. This has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement for me to rejoice. In many ways my everyday life here at Omaha Bible Church becomes a functional seminary lab.

As a result of recently trying to consider some of the things that God has taught me over the last couple of years about pastoral ministry I was greatly encouraged. I have seen God take a complete biblical illiterate (I actually though Christ was Jesus’ last name when I got saved) and he has graced me with the opportunity to lead and feed members of the flock of Christ whom he purchased with his own blood. What can I say to that other than, “You are marvelous O’ Lord and abounding in lovingkindness towards me in Christ!”

Over the next few months or so I will pick a particular item which I have learned and devote a post to it. Some of the posts within the series will no doubt be self-deprecating and humorous, but they won’t all be. I will aim to anchor what I am learning in Scripture and exhort pastors unto faithfulness. While the focus is aimed at pastors (particularly those who are in seminary or early in their ministry), I do hope that more than just pastors will be encouraged unto faithfulness. We understand that all who name the name of Christ are to be engaged in the ministry of the gospel through the local church.

My plan is to begin tomorrow writing about what I have learned about personal adequacy in ministry.

Possibly Related posts:

1. Shedding the Green :: Our Adequacy
2. Some Personal Convictions on Preaching from a Young Guy
3. Show me your veins not your legwarmers!!
4. Expositor’s Conference Q and A with John MacArthur
5. Disaster-Proofing Your Ministry, a workshop for pastors with Don Whitney

3 Responses to “Shedding the Green :: intro”

1. Gary says:

   July 24, 2007 at 1:50 pm

   Thanks for this ‘Ebenezer’ posting – I’m looking forward to the series on growing into pastoral ministry as I’m just about to start my final year at Theological College before becoming an assistant minister somewhere in Ireland. The Lord bless you as you continue in His grace.

   ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’ (1 Samuel 7:12)
2. Nath @ Reformed Geek says:

   July 24, 2007 at 3:35 pm

   I look forward to this series Erik!
3. Barry says:

   July 24, 2007 at 7:21 pm

   Thanks for sharing brother. I have appreciated your depth and Christ-centered focus for the two years or so I have known you. By God’s grace we have eternity to worship Him together.
   Good grief this sounds like a goodbye.
   Lord willing we will have many more years to serve Him together in ministry.