-
Once Burned, Twice Shy
Posted on December 3rd, 2010 12 comments
I’m wrestling with going public locally with my call to ministry. I heavily invested myself in online ministry a couple of years ago and local opportunities expanded significantly since then. I knew in my twenties that God built me to pastor and God has confirmed this through a number of other, more recent sources. It’s always good to have a reality check.The first issue I have with making this local knowledge is the stigma attached to pastors. I don’t want that and, frankly, I don’t fit that mold very well. That wouldn’t work for me or anyone else. I’m too fond of the wisecracking, instigator @mcProdigal. Truth be told, I would never be serious if it was left to me, but God calls and I owe Him everything. If you haven’t lived without hope in the last few years, you should try it if only to understand how rich is the gift God offers. I am compelled to offer this gift to others and to love my neighbors at any level that is presented to me.
The second issue is the disastrous end to my ministry as a twenty-something minister more than twenty years ago. The most obvious lingering effect of the actions that led to my lengthy prodigal run is the fear that I feel right now as I discuss this topic. Once burned, it’s difficult to approach the flame, even if you need the light.
I cannot publicly declare my recommitment to ministry without choosing to do so in faith and, when push comes to shove, who really “wants” to do that?!
Lord, please consider this my public recommitment to ministry in any form and in any environment that you choose … Richard
Possibly Related Posts:
- When God is Silent
- The Sights and Sounds of Enabling
by Diane Viere and Elaine Altman-Eller - Counterfeit: Lies We Believe About Work
- Counterfeit: Lies We Believe About Religion
- Counterfeit: Lies We Believe About Worship
12 responses to “Once Burned, Twice Shy”
-
Don’t pay attention to the cookie cutters we’ve made on Earth. You’re right to listen to where God wants you to go, and also how he wants you to get there. Maybe there isn’t a path already trodden and you’re going to be making one. It can be slow going but just as rewarding if not more! Public, private, internet, in person- leave the legitimacy of titles and mission to Him. And maybe that failure taught you more than you think- a refiner’s fire?
Casey Cheshire recently posted..3 Quick Tips for Fitting New Hiking Boots
-
Fail Forward. Who you were at age 20 is not who you are now. Is God calling you to ministry, or are people calling you there. If God is calling, are you waiting for the brick in the head- something so obvious that you are now certain to put both feet forward. Or, do you have the faith of a mustard seed and when you hear His voice, no matter how small, you move in His direction.
Favorite Quotes by John C Maxwell
* There is no achievement without failure.
* Make each failure a step to success.
* All roads to achievement lead through the land of failure.
* Failure is simply the price we pay to achieve success.
* When achievers fail, they see it as a momentary event not a lifelong epidemic.
* Failure is an inside job. So is success.
* Excuses, no matter how strong, never lead to achievement.
* The only way you can get ahead is to fail early, fail often and fail forward.
* Always measure an obstacle next to the size of the dream you’re pursuing. -
Love “Fail Forward”! Excited about your new season. Praying for you. Be great in Christ my friend.
Franchesca recently posted..The Obituary
-
I can TOTALLY relate to the hesitancy to re-launching in public ministry ~ shows we (you) are ready (sorry for not reading this until now)
-
The call is “irrevocable”. Those words always give me comfort for some reason. I understand your hesitancy and desire at the same time to serve Him.I will be praying for all fear and doubt to be removed and much faith to be added. God bless Richard.
Charmaine
-
I am convinced….you are EXACTLY who God wants you to be–He not only called you friend, He is your Creator!
A very wise mcPastor has been known to quote a verse a time or two:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
God will use ALL things Richard…your gifts, your talents, your heart, your wit [SMH], your strengths AND your weakness. He will use them ALL for HIS good! Who knows, your hesitancy may actually represent your dependency on HIM as you step into this calling…and THAT my friend is a VERY good thing in a Pastor! Hmmmmmmmm….could be! [Said with my Counselor hat on as I do NOT have a theologian’s hat YET!)
Richard, your ‘calling’ reached across cyberspace and touched my heart this past year; I am so thankful for that God-connection! And I am thrilled to watch as God anoints and blesses you as you step into this renewed commitment!
You bring great meaning to Prodigal Hope Richard!
Diane recently posted..Enough of the goodbyes already!
-
My goodness–questions in your gifts (plural) from our Lord and Savior??? He has had this planned since before you were born– we may have altered it a bit with free will etc… but no matter what–the Cat came Back….. that is you!!!! Only now you are a roaring lion—not a cat!! Going to get His love and truth across to so many–YOUR WAY!!! And that way is my way— humor, fun, like life is …. you have reached thru to me in so many ways in my walk–in my good days spreading my joy and making me even more joyful!!! My struggling days—bringing me up–even when I felt fully crashed!!! God has a streamline ministry awaiting for you to spread further than what you do already– but to physically be part of it will hand to shoulder be touching peoples lives!!!!
I am excited as God takes you -my friend-molding you, starting you up on plans for HIM to use you for many others to find HIM–for your family to mold together as ONE thru HIM and for HIM.
I am excited and can’t wait…. we WILL be part of this!!!In His Love,
Heather Siebens
Hetty recently posted..AMAZING CHRISTMAS!!!
-
As long as the heart is willing, that is all the Lord needs.
You are extremely gifted in that you see things differently than most. Your gifts along with your availability put you ahead of the game.
Keep listening and remain available to minister online or in person! God will do the rest.
{{HUGS}}
@spreadingJOY
Marie recently posted..My Passion is Hindering My Passion
-
Dear Richard. I THINK I understand a bit of what you are trying to say.. Please forgive me if I have not. The Lord uses you to minister in most every venue you enter into…if He is truly in your heart. He WILL have you minister publicly if you continue every day “Seeking His Kingdom first” ; by His grace, in spite of yourself.. in His time, if that is where He wants you!
I GET the wisecracking point you make. That is me. Out of respect to many of the Christians I follow on Twitter or connect with I know who I can relax with, and try carefully to get a feel for people so I don’t offend. It’s gonna happen regardless. It’s a process. #workinprogress. And rest assured,1.”He that began a good work in you.. Phil 1:6
2. “The message to the person of faith is simple: ” Trust Me! It’s not what you do. It’s what I do. I have moved in. And in time, you can say with Paul, “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. ”
Galatians- 2:203. “I am holding you by your right hand- I, the Lord your God- and i say to you, Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you. ” Isaiah 41:13
4. “…for then you realize that their actions do not define who you are. They define who they are. ” – How to Stop the Pain by James B. Richards
5. Trust God, Love people.
6. Fully committed to Him, your healing will come.
And Richard! I will never be a dress wearing Pampered Chef kinda Christian gal… That’s OK. I was raised Methodist fashion yet now serve in Pentecostal Assembly.. Talk about hand raisers! OY VEY!! I bow my head and fold my hands and God hears me loud and clear. Many parts, one body.
If your heart is fully committed to Him, He will get you where you are going!
In Christ,
Buff (elroishalom on twitter)
-
Hi Richard. Wanted to stop by and let you know that I just awarded you the Versatile Blogger award. I love reading your posts!
http://www.thoughts4theroad.com/2011/02/and-bloggy-goes-to.html
-
Springvaleboys March 12th, 2011 at 13:27
Hi Richard, May God Bless you as you follow his calling for your life. 20 years is a long time, time changes people, God changes people. Your ministry on twitter is incredible, I am sure a local ministry would be as well! Blessings. John.
-
Elthole April 28th, 2011 at 17:16
Thanks for sharing what you did in that blog.
“Once burned, it’s difficult to approach the flame, even if you need the light.”
I understand this.
Again thanks for sharing
Leave a reply
© 2010-2012 Prodigal Returns! All Rights Reserved -- Copyright notice by Blog Copyright
Uses wordpress plugins developed by www.wpdevelop.com

