1. Do I have a servant’s heart?
– David served
Of all the things that could be said of David, Paul said he “served.” The Greek word here is a compound word from a preposition meaning “under” and a verb meaning “to row.” David was an “under rower.”
As I go into ministry I must ask myself: Am I a servant?
2. Do I have a sense of calling?
– David served God’s purpose
David served the purpose of God, the calling of God for his life. In Acts 13:2, we learn much about the call of God on our lives when we read of what the Holy Spirit said to those believers in Antioch. This call of God is personal (Barnabas and Saul). It is purposeful (separate for me). It is practical (for the work). It is providential (to which I have called them).
As I go into ministry, I must ask myself: Do I have a sense of calling? Has God set me apart for the work of the ministry?
3. Do I realize I must use 21st-century methods without changing a first-century message?
– David served God’s purpose in his own generation
Thayer, in his lexicon, relates that the Greek word translated “generation” involves a time span of 30 to 33 years. If we try to pastor a church today with the same methods churches used 30 or 40 years ago, we will most likely fail. While some do in fact sacrifice relevancy on the altar of revelation, others do the exact opposite. Jesus said new wine (the message which never changes) must be put into new skins (the methods which constantly change).
As I enter ministry, I must ask myself: Do I have a clear understanding of the difference between the message and methods as I seek to reach my generation?
4. Am I a personal soul-winner?
– David served God’s purpose in his own generation and fell asleep
This is but a euphemism which means he died. As Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, it is appointed once to die and after this the judgment.
As I enter ministry, I must remind myself that Jesus “came to seek and to save those who were lost” and I must ask myself: Do I have a passion to lead others to Christ?
Be a contemporary submissive servant with an eternal purpose.
The Lord Jesus is our example. He served. He humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. He served God’s purpose. He said, My food is to do the will of Him who sent me… (John 4:34). He served God’s purpose in His own generation. He changed the day of worship. He changed the way of worship. He was a change agent. Finally, He kept an eternal purpose. Hear Him: “I came to seek and to save those who are lost.”
We have the opportunity to serve Christ in the most exciting generation in human history. Ask yourself these four important questions as you enter ministry in the 21st century.
O.S. Hawkins
President
Executive Officer