The Weight of the Call-The Wait of the Call: Examining the Call of God Upon Your Life (Double Portion Series)

Do you sense a calling upon your life to follow God into the ministry? The Apostle Paul declared that it is a good this to desire to serve in the office of a bishop or church leader (1 Timothy 3:1) and I commend you if your pursuit is to follow your Lord in this way. However, please understand that the ministry is not just a career choice as if one were choosing from a smorgasbord of available vocations. Rather, it is a high calling from God to be entered into with all seriousness, sobriety, and caution. Why? Because the Bible warns in James 3:1, "...be not many masters (i.e. teachers) knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation (or stricter judgment)." The responsibility of such a candidate will be more intense because this individual stands in a place of speaking for God. A kind of false platitude of the ministry, in my opinion, has been created by the Christian media. However, what is presented on the TV is not the reality of most churches. Thus, many have false expectations and seem to be coming into the ministry these days in a nonchalant manner hoping to make a name for themselves or seeking the camera and the lights. If this is what you have in mind, then run! Heed this warning, for you would save yourself a lot of heartache and weeping, perhaps even your very life, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. If you find yourself interested in the ministry, you should ask yourself; am I willing to surrender my all to God? Perhaps, even hurt, cry, even lay down my life for the Master? If you can answer with an unequivocal YES, then please follow this way. It is a path that will lead to great reward. The book you hold in your hands can serve as a manual to help lead you in the right direction. My prayer is that you will follow where He leads and hear Him one day say to you, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Randall K. Richards has served our Lord since his early conversion atthe tender age of six and was mentored by his father serving in variouscapacities since his early teens.Richards was a pastor for 15 years and has held positions in pastoralleadership roles in the church and on the faculty of two Christian trainingschools, one in Moscow, as a student instructor.  He holds a master's degree in PastoralStudies.
 
Randall, and his wife, Denise, are natives of the state of Ohio, wherethey enjoy walking by Lake Erie, playing chess, Scrabble and cards (Uno, Trash,Skip Bo) and spending time with their children and grandkids when they can.
  
A musician, poet, author, and accomplished songwriter (having written over 500 songs) and recorded 3 cd projects, Randall plays several instruments and loves music. The Richards live in Ohio and love to worship God and are expecting the soon return of their Lord and Savior.  He may be reached by email at r7songster@yahoo.com .