Do you believe that a person that is call to preach should wait on their ministry? Is God pleased?

[Minister Sharon Tyler]

I don't believe that God would call a novist to lead a flock, when the novist needs to be taught how to lead. I have seen an experienced so many Pastors' who are unlearned leading people in the wrong directions. But it does not seem to matter to human's because they are still ordaining people who are not ready to lead. A great leader must be a great follower. I don't think that God is pleased by this because of the simple fact that David was called at a young age (17) but had to wait on his calling, he was (30)? I believe this leads to church folks because the team is only as good as it leaders. Every where you go you will find people just going through the motions because we have sat back and studied other peoples', praise, worship and have adapted to human ways and not God.

[A.W. Bowman]

Thank you brother for sharing your experience and insight. Young ministers, please take note of Rev. Lucket's comments.

A couple of ideas for general consideration: First, It is God that calls, ordains and establishes a minister, not men. However, it is generally men who recognizes (or thinks, or wants to see a “ministry” calling on their children, relatives, friends, etc.). While this is desirable, it is God who ordains (sets aside and anoints) a person for ministry, not men. Men can have only two choices, to accept or reject God’s decision concerning themselves and/or for others. And, while men can certainly assist or hinder a ministry, it is God who will establish a ministry, even if at times it may seem as though God is not in it at all, or even if it is rejected of men (reference the hardships and problems of Paul’s ministry).

While all of the above is true, it is still incomplete! There is still a time required for study, practice and growth. This almost always requires a mentor (teacher), and sometimes several of them before one is ready to “go it alone”, as it were.

When I was young, I though the old men just wanted to keep me from my calling – when I finally become an elder, I discovered how wrong (prideful) I was back then. While there may be a few senior preachers who are jealous of their ministries, most elder ministers are looking our after that young preacher, as well as the saints he would be preaching to, and for upholding the integrity of the word of God. Even after Timothy was deemed fit to be sent out to complete the Apostle’s work, Paul still perceived that the young evangelist required additional instruction, even Titus. Review Proverbs 1, 4, 5 & 8 for an introduction to the importance of receiving and not rejecting the instructions of elders.

Another comment for consideration. Not all preachers, teachers (or even administrators) are called to be pastors. Not all pastors are called to fill all of these other roles either! A pastor does have the task of being a godly councilor within the assembly, which often times requires “being apt to teach” and exercise the “gift” of the word of knowledge or word of wisdom. A true shepherd (pastor) is to look to the health and wellbeing of the flock. There may be several shepherds within an assembly who never step upon a platform, yet they still counsel (advise), guide (instruct) and encourage (correct). That is, a gifting does not always equate to an office, and being in an office does not necessarily equate to having “all spiritual gifts” at one’s command. For example, having and exercising the gift of prophecy does not place one in the office of Prophet. Starting a home mission church (or even two or three) does not make one an Apostle after the order of Peter, James and John.

Conclusion: Do not take upon you any lofty titles or positions before they are conferred by the hand of God (this is like receiving a “calling and anointing” such as David did to be king, or Paul to be an Apostle ). That is, even if it takes years, like it did with Paul, allow the fruit of your ministry to be the witness of your calling (gifting, office, ministry, etc.), even if some men refuse to accept it. [1 Corinthians 9:1-2]

I believe that our God will still be calling and establishing the five-fold ministry, as well as all of the other callings and ministries and gifting of people up till the very hour of Christ's return. Our responsibility is to be about our father's business, at whatever stage we are in when He calls the redeemed home.

Therefore, let us all be obedient, not presumptuous.