I faithfully consider myself called to full time ministry in view of the experiences and circumstances that God has brought me through.  I see evidence of my calling in the incredible opportunities given me to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.  I have confirmation of my calling from my local church, my pastor, my family, and my friends.  I do not believe I would be completely happy doing anything other than serving God through ministry.

I see myself as qualified by the following standards: my willingness to acknowledge my total dependence upon God, my commitment to live according to his Word and standards, and my desire to live above reproach in all situations and conditions.  I realize that I cannot accomplish any good thing within myself, but I must depend upon the power and grace of God to accomplish anything worthy of the gospel of Christ.  God continues to remind me that he wants me to be holy.  In order to be obedient I must live by his standards and become more like Christ.  I am completely dedicated to being the husband of only one woman and to be devoted to my family as the spiritual leader responsible for their spiritual guidance.  As the spiritual leader of both my family and the church in which God calls me to serve, I must live in a manner worthy of the name of Christ so that I am also a “spiritual example to those who believe” (1 Tim 4:12).  God has called me to mentor, disciple, and lead other believers to maturity in Christ.

There are some qualities given in I Timothy regarding the qualities of leadership.  I should be intent on providing leadership to the congregation, remain above reproach, and have the skills of a preacher/teacher.  Another essential quality is a strong devotion to Christ.  As a minister of the Gospel I should be continually growing in my knowledge of the scriptures.  I must be able to read, study, and understand the truth of the inerrant Word of God, “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).  It is highly important that as a minister of the gospel I rightly divide the word of truth, taking heed to its instructions and decrees.

The goal and purpose of any pastoral staff member starts with the proclamation of the gospel as the shepherd, preacher, and teacher of the Church.  Being a shepherd, I have the authority to guide and direct the flock.  Being a preacher, I lead in public proclamation of the gospel and teaching of the flock, and as a teacher, I am responsible for instruction and clarification of Scriptures.  As a minister, I must always be prepared to “preach the word in season and out of season-reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with great patients and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).  I must be willing to suffer hardship and persecution with devotion and dependence on Christ, in which I believe I shall experience spiritual growth.  As a minister of the Gospel it is also important to lead others by being a humble servant.

Being devoted to Christ requires that I strive for obedience through knowledge of Him, and in my obedience God will guide, direct, and bless.  Ultimately, it is essential that a minister seeks purity, prayer, practices hospitality, and leads the congregation through a proper amount of Godly transformation and discipleship.  I believe that God will work to accomplish his good purpose in and through the church by the hands of those he has called.