Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus intends for this command not just to be for the eleven apostles, but for the Christian believers outliving them. Evidence of this is found at the end of verse 20. Jesus’ support for this command is the promise “behold, I am with you.” And then he tells how long this promise of support is going to last: “to the end of the age.” So God has given Christian believers this task to fulfill and He promises to support it for as long as it lasts: “I’m going to be with you in this task to the end of the age.” The Great Commission applies to all the Christian believers and all are called to witness and serve.Every Christian is a part of the Body of Christ and each one has a specific role to play. God mysteriously and miraculously calls His ambassadors individually. Though all Christians are called to serve God, God calls certain individuals to serve the Church by preaching, teaching, and guiding. Serving God is a high honor so how do you know if God is calling you?
God Plants The Inward Desire
God places the Holy inward desire inside the people whom He is calling. God speaks to those particular persons whom he has called to do His ministry. The great reformer Spurgeon tells that the first sign of God’s call starts from inside “An intense, all absorbing desire for the work”. The people who have been called by God have an intense growing compulsion in their heart to preach and teach His Word and to minister to the unbeliever. Christians are the essence of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15) no matter where they serve. You can serve outside of the Church or in a secular job. Just as well as you can serve within the church or in a distinctly Christian vocation.
Be Obedient!
All of us has been uniquely gifted by God. Some of us are individually called to be a vessel through which God’s Word, love, peace, joy, grace, mercy, healing, contentment, guidance and truth are to be revealed in the world. Wow! If you are called to serve you have a job to do. When you take the time to discover and cultivate your gifts, you will have joy and fulfillment in your life, no matter the circumstances. When Christians ignore suppress or deny these gifts or their call to serve, they will experience discontent, frustration, anger, sorrow, and even mental and physical pain. This is not a punishment from God but is a natural consequence for denying the voice of God. You can’t run and you can’t hide from God. OBEY HIS CALL!
If you are sure that God has placed a calling in your life to serve, then say Yes and ask for his direction. Obedience to His call is sure to take you to the next level. Don’t let earthly circumstances stop you from reaching your calling. Step into the calling with faith and prayer and he will lead you. Throughout the Bible we see so many that stepped into the calling despite unfavorable circumstances but with faith God has lead them beautifully. Look at Moses, he stuttered badly. Gideon was an insecure guy. David was a youth of small stature and strength. Peter was immature and impulsive. Jonah said ‘No way.. I’m getting out of here’ and Saul, well he just actively hated Christians. They couldn’t run or hide from God when he called. Some faced the consequences but when they finally obeyed and made use of their gifts they proceeded in their ministries as powerful witnesses for Christ. Now, if God can do His wonderful works through them what makes you think He won’t be able to use you too? God will shine through you to accomplish His plans.
So we know that every person has an unique calling from God. The call to ministry is not easy. It is particularly public, and those in public ministry are often both highly regarded and highly criticized. James 3:1 teaches, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” For this reason YOU MUST STUDY THE SCRIPTURES. You must continue to learn every day of your life.
You Do Not Need A Degree To Bring A Soul To Christ
.. but you must STUDY THE SCRIPTURES, LEARN AND GROW! This is a must!
2 Timothy 2:15 teaches that we must ‘Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth’. York St. Peter’s will provide you with the teaching and credentials that you will need to move forward in your ministry. We provide theological study and practical hands on Workshops to prepare and equip you for the task of bringing souls to the cross. It’s all about winning souls for Christ!
Those in ministry leadership positions are held to high standards because they are guiding others. The books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus list the requirements for those in church leadership positions. You must teach but you must always continue learning, you must be committed, you must lead by example and have exceptional communication skills, you must have a vision to move forward.
If you decide to study with York St. Peter’s Evangelistic Organization you are going to have to work! There’s no way around it. Our Ministry Ordination Program is affordable, Biblical and convenient due to its online structured but do not let this fool you. You will be studying towards becoming a Christian leader, presenting God’s gift of life to the world. No ifs, ands or buts.. You’ve must be correct in your teaching. For this reason we don’t play around. Expectations are high and study is rigidly enforced. We make no exception for those who do not show a willingness to study. You will be required to study the bible diligently, display significant spiritual growth, knowledge of the scriptures and competence. If you are willing to dedicate yourself to the Lord’s service, we are here to help you.
Lastly, know that entering the ministry won’t be easy. You probably wont become rich conducting a ministry. As a matter of fact most starting out will find that there is a drain on their pocket book. Many will try to discredit you and discourage you. It has been said that the second highest stressed job next to that of a doctor is that of a preacher because they are expected to guide many not physically but spiritually. Worldly distractions will sidetrack you.
Know That There Is Someone Who DOESN’T Want You To Succeed!
Satan will do anything to stop you from witnessing for Christ. Oh, and imagine if he feels you will be a particularly strong witness, he will try to stop you at all costs. Be aware and be prepared. You will have opposition all the way but you will also have the hand of God around you.
When determining whether or not you are called to ministry pray often. Let God reveal His will to you. You will know in your heart what He wants you to do. Be courageous, and most of all trust God. If God has called you, He will equip you and fill you with His power so that you may stand up boldly to any weapon formed against you.
Should you decide to take up your cross and follow Jesus, York St. Peter’s Evangelistic Organization is here to help.
