The result was a major crash and burn that did violence to relationships that I cherished, the church I served, and to my own soul. Like many who deeply desire to serve God in a vocational ministry role, as a pastor, I forgot that God was more interested in who I was than what I did for Him. These are probably good questions for any ministry leader at any stage.
“How will you create a framework for ministry life that is grounded in the biblical and theological truths of who you are?” “What will your life in ministry actually look like?” When a candidate for ordination steps forward, I wonder if asking questions like the following would help them understand their calling in a more practical way: In the same way that good theology must inform our teaching, there are foundational theological issues that need to inform our lives as ministers. Life and doctrine are joined at the hip in pastoral leadership. It seems that Paul refuses to let Timothy compartmentalize his faith. This is very curious to me, especially considering how careful the Apostle Paul is in his letter to Timothy to highlight the importance of being grounded in life as well as teaching. However, rarely (if ever) have I heard a pastor’s life acknowledged as well-grounded. It implies that they have committed themselves to the study of scripture and the formation of good theology. One of the highest compliments I hear about a pastor or ministry leader is that they are “well-grounded” in their teaching. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” –1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)
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