January 19, 2025 is precisely 50 years ago when I was ordained at my home church, First Baptist, Boston. Forty years of that 50 were paid ministry that can be divided into two parts: denominational ministry in Valley Forge and local church ministry in San Francisco. It\u2019s without saying that I have been immensely blessed by opportunities that have crossed my path. But perhaps even more importantly, are the saints sent by God to guide my steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I was serving as a Christian educator in ABC Educational Ministries in Valley Forge, one of the practical learnings that I continue to use and apply to ministry is the concept that in every event whether it\u2019s a 2-hour meeting or a weeklong conference is the \u201c4 Phases of an Event!\u201d When I apply characteristics of \u201cBeginning, Developing, Maturing, and Closing\u201d to what may be happening in front of my eyes, it becomes transparent that the experience is going through these particular phases. To witness this in ministry is rewarding and enables me to invite everyone to participate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It takes a bit of gumption to say that you have a call from God to enter the ministry! Some may think you are delusional and others may think you are egotistical. Most of the time, we are trying to answer the question, \u201cWho am I?\u201d But to be ready to consider whether ministry is for you or not, the question to ask is \u201cTo whom am I?\u201d Ministers are to proclaim the love of God in Christ rather than to have the spotlight on oneself. At First Chinese Baptist, San Francisco where I pastored, the pulpit is to the side, never in the middle of the sanctuary in order to place the cross in the center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My advice for you considering ministry, it\u2019s not just a job, it\u2019s servant leadership. Your priorities are to Jesus Christ while at the same time, never shortchanging the commitments that you may have for spouse and family. It\u2019s time management at extremes but no one said ministry is a walk in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To succeed as a local church pastor when you may be preaching every Sunday is to make sure your sermon is priority in the week. After I finished preaching, I realize that I have less than a week to have another message. It\u2019s worst than a term paper due date! Rather than taking Monday off, I start my sermon in the morning and pretty much have my main message developed before lunch. In the afternoon, I go and play tennis. For the rest of the week, I am gathering ideas and stories that will enrich my message for Sunday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To endure 50 years, I realize that God\u2019s omniscience is real. I see and hear and feel God\u2019s life-giving presence every day. God is truly in this place. When we are open to God, God speaks and we are called.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
January 19, 2025 is precisely 50 years ago when I was ordained at my home church, First Baptist, Boston. Forty years of that 50 were paid ministry that can be