Since I was young man in my 20's and I am now 38 yrs old, I always enjoyed helping less fortunate people. People from very poor families with limited opportunities to take care of their families. The Love of Christ in my heart always felt for people like this. I do not seek any form of recognition or praise. Over the years, I knew that their was a calling in my life to serve others. I thought about becoming a pastor or minister but I don't really care about being a motivational speaker. I care about making a difference in people's lives. Demonstrating Sincere Love and well being of less fortunate people is a great way to talk about Jesus and salvation.
2007-01-27 07:24:37 · 9 answers · asked by Big P 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Revend J. I did not mean to offend you in anyway. I did not know you have titles(smile)
Thank you for venting out the mental anguish inside you. Keep in mind that know matter how educated you are, God can always teach you something new. You have too much pride in your titles.
I looked in the dictionary for the word "help",
it does mean the same as serve.
Please, don't be angry if you feel corrected.
2007-01-27 08:56:50 · update #1
No. I think that would be just 'being christlike'. Something that a lot of christians aren't - so good for you!
2007-01-27 07:28:52 · answer #1 · answered by Laptop Jesus 2.0 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Helping people and ministering people are not the same.
Clergy exist to serve. Nothing more, nothing less. To serve everyone, not just the "less fortunate
You use the word "serve" when you really meant "help". You also use phrases like "love of Christ" and "sincere love" as if others do not have those motivation. You talk about Jesus and how to achieve salvation as a requirement to help some one.
I have the titles; they come from my denomination, my church. They express who I am and how I act. For me, the bible is the word of God as spoken through the prophets and is my sole reason for this life. The love of Christ Jesus starts with God's promise. It is fulfilled by Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is documented in the New Covenant (New Testament).
You act if you are doing something special in the last 18 years that requires some sort of clerical title. Maybe you do, but stop using the term less fortunate and replace it with God's children. If you want to talk about Jesus, make sure the person wants to listen. And if they want to listen, the show them the accounts (Gospels with Acts). Jesus' teachings will far exceed yours.
A priest does not get to pick the persons they help. A priest is dedicated to God to serve everyone, that is what the word ordain means. So far, I read about your good works, but your good works come with a price, your version of the Christian message. Fortunately, there is only one message, the message given to us by God. Maybe you will find that. Remember, Jesus had the title of Rabbi, which meant he could teach the Holy Scriptues.
Answer: Forget the titles and worried about the message.
2007-01-27 16:00:59 · answer #2 · answered by J. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I commend you for your heart to work with the needy.
You do not need a title for anything. Jesus and his disciples were all about influence. A title does not give you influence. In fact, a title gives you a lot of unnecessary responsibilities. People have expectations when you have a title. You even said it yourself "demontrating sincere love and well being of less fortunate people is a great way to talk about Jesus and salvation" - thats all you need my friend.
2007-01-27 15:37:05 · answer #3 · answered by crunchtime88 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, not every one is called to be a pastor. if youve been helping the needy for that long its probably what god has called you to do.
I remember when i used to live in impoverished neighborhoods, with out people like you i wouldnt have had a christmas. Thank you!
But what ever it is, stay humble, share the love of Christ, and in everything praise him.
God Bless You
2007-01-27 15:33:06 · answer #4 · answered by Indio 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is great to do your work without assigning yourself a title. Since Jesus has the only title (King of kings Lord of lords..) that really matters, we are all just His servants. When you share the love He has given you with people who need it you are fulfilling the commandment He gave to the apostles..love each other as I have loved you, and when you do it in His name, you set a great example to those who are still trying to find Him. I admire your attitude towards service. God bless you.
2007-01-27 15:37:45 · answer #5 · answered by isiseamenhotep 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like you are perfectly fulfilling your calling, which is simply walking with the Lord in humility and love, doing His will. Titles are not needed in the kingdom of God and from what you have shared will in no wise be of any help to you. true pastoring is what you have described and is altogether different than the posturing that we often see from the pulpit. All of us as Christians are called to serve others, to put on the mind of Christ, to take up our cross. Some of us live it out better than others and it sounds to me like you are on the right track. He who would be greatest among you shall be servant to all.
2007-01-27 15:34:32 · answer #6 · answered by james p 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bless you for following your calling and the gifts God has given you. If he has given you the gifts of compassion and caring, then He would most likely give y ou the name as well.
I became the Rev. Dr. and realized the Dr. was for my pride. I kept the Rev. and realized that was for impressing and power. I tried to give up pastor - and then realized that was to perform my calling of shepherd.
You might try Good Samaritan - but methinks you are far more powerful as you are.
2007-01-27 15:32:30 · answer #7 · answered by Joe Cool 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're a man of charity and love for others--a charitable person. No other title can surpass such a great calling.
2007-01-27 15:40:34 · answer #8 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well I think that is a wonderful thing that you have dedicated your life to.No i do not think you need a title to do Gods work.He knows who you are and he knows your heart...
2007-01-27 15:49:55 · answer #9 · answered by slickcut 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋