Next month many of you will graduate and move forward to the next phase of your ministry. Congratulations.
As you move into full-time ministry and accept positions of leadership, I’d like to share a verse that has been a guiding principle my entire ministry and that I find myself revisiting periodically to re-evaluate my priorities. It is found in Paul’s sermon to those at Pisidian Antioch when he reminds us that “when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.” From this verse emerge four essential elements of leadership for all ministers.
Be a servant
Of all the things Paul could say about King David, he chose to call him a servant. He said, “David served.” He knew the way up was down and the way down was up. One of the most important elements of leadership is found in manifesting servant leadership.
Be a submissive servant
Paul goes on to say, “David served God’s purpose.” Paul is talking about God’s irrevocable will, His calling upon our life. The minister has a special calling from God to serve, and God asks him to submit to that calling.
Be a contemporary submissive servant
Paul says that David served God’s purpose “in his own generation.” All too often, tradition — or the accepted way of doing things — prevents us from reaching our own generation. Ministers must understand the difference between twenty-first-century methods while being careful to maintain the first-century message.
Be a contemporary, submissive servant with an eternal purpose
Paul says that after David completed his work on earth, he “fell asleep.” Simply put, at his appointed time, he died. As a minister, we must remember that we are called to do a work. The bottom line of ministry is leading men and women, boys and girls to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the complete purpose of our calling to serve.
In the ministry, we must occasionally stop for a time of preparation and evaluation. Your years at seminary are just such a time. For many of you, these years of preparation are now over, and it’s time to step out and fulfill the ministry to which you have been called. As you do, remember David and stay true to your calling. Be a contemporary, submissive servant with an eternal purpose.
Blessings on you as you continue your studies,
O.S. Hawkins
President
GuideStone Financial Resources
of the Southern Baptist Convention