My pastor is training me to be a preacher (according to the gifts God has given me) I now serve as a Elder of the church. I do it because I love the Lord and I want to be obedient to Him, but I would prefer washing the church toliet instead of preaching a sermon or coming up with a meditation. I dread this deeply. When I find out I have to speak in front of people, I find multiple reasons why I can not do it. I realized a few days ago that I am not running from man but I am running from God. I want to work for the Lord but I am a shy introvert and I would rather do something else not be a preacher. I know its not about me but about God's will and master plan but that does not change how I feel. I am praying about it but please share with me if you have been or going through this. Or if you have any advice, please share. Thank you, it mean alot to me!!
Jonah
2007-07-27 14:52:46 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I suspect with this story and the name Jonah that this is a joke. However, in case I am wrong, the thought of stepping into a pulpit should frighten any person. When you step into a pulpit you purport to share the word of the Living God. That should never be done without the fear of the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The important question is whether or not you feel that you are called by God to be a preacher. Sometimes pastors are eager to train people for the ministry irregardless of whether they are called. Ask God if he is calling you to the ordained ministry. Perhaps God is calling you to carry out the work that you enjoy - even if that is cleaning toilets.
Pastor John
2007-07-27 14:58:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Listen, the first thing that came to mind when I was reading this, was the story of Mary when she washed Jesus' feet. Martha was so busy preparing meals and basically "serving" her Lord in the way she though was most "spiritual".
But who did Jesus find the most favor in what they were doing? Mary, because she did it with the right heart and the right spirit. Being called of God, does not always mean leading in a "power of position" in a church....
You have a valiant heart. There are no tasks too small or too great when it comes to living for Christ and being and example to those around us. You are in my prayers. Just remember as long as what you do is for the glory of God, you can't go wrong.
2007-07-27 22:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by ♥Sunny Girl♥ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a preacher, but it can be kind of easy sometimes. Ever have those moods when you have one foot in heaven and Jesus is as close as the mention of his name? Ever began to talk about God and felt like you could talk about him forever. Ever see a tree with it branches pointing upward to the sun and say wow, we should be just like that tree with arm raised towards the Son praising him. Ever look at people and say to yourself, God loves everyone, these are valuable unto the Lord?
Well those personal feelings and movings of the spirit upon your heart and bringing scripture to your mind are the source for your sermon. Just love God and let your message run across your mind. When you speak all love and spirit will come out. Peace and Joy.
2007-07-27 22:02:27 · answer #3 · answered by ignoramus_the_great 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well Jonah,you are neither running from God or man, you are just nervous about your ability to speak in front of a large group. This is not offensive to God, he knows your fears,and in fact his plan for you may not be as a preacher, God will let you know when you are ready,you will feel it and want it.
2007-07-27 22:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by Jerry h 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel for ya. Remember when God chose Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, how he tried to talk God out of using him and into using someone else? He felt just like you, but all things are possible with God. Fill yourself with the Word of God.. scriptures like
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you,will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Stand on the Word. Yield to God and He will use you. Ask the Lord to help you to die to yourself so that you can live unto Him, and to fill you with His Spirit. Joyce Meyer has some good books that will help.Just look at her web site. God bless!!
2007-07-27 22:06:06 · answer #5 · answered by BERT 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any call that comes on your life will come from God no matter what any man may tell you - Pastor or not. If you don't believe God has called you to be a preacher then He hasn't.
If you are praying and reading the Bible and honestly seeking God for direction in your life He will give it to you first. Then the Bible says that "A man's gift will make room for him." There is not anywhere in scripture that tells me that a pastor or leader of any stature can mandate what my calling is. They can suggest it, but they are not to push it.
You need to be honest with your Pastor, and tell him that you have no call of God on you to preach that God has revealed to you personally. Tell him whatever you need to tell him to get him to back off and let you grow at your own speed. Don't allow any bad feelings or attitudes come from this on your side, and do what you feel God wants you to do.
As you grow in your faith you will find that you have more real inner strength to do things that you might never do early on in your walk with God later in life. One thing that all of us are called to do without a special calling is to minister to the lost in any way we can to ease their burdens and lead them to a saving knowledge of Christ. God will show you how to do that. Hope this helps.
2007-07-27 22:12:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I also didn't want to speak out just wanted to do my meek humble service and hide out in the back ground. But sometimes God calls one fourth. We should take courage and pray like anything to have the strength and be the instrument to do His will. Do not fear. Take shelter of the Lord and do your duty as his servant the pastor asked. God can make a deaf person hear if He likes so He can make a shy person speak in front of millions with swift beautiful inspiring words. Just pray to do His will to speak the truth and to spread his glories and to be his pure instrument.
2007-07-27 22:01:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ask either for Him to start you out small with a small group or maybe some little kids so that you can get used to talking and preaching and work your way up
Or just tell him you dont feel God is leading you in that direction to be a preacher or minister of a church.
2007-07-27 21:58:29 · answer #8 · answered by Maurice H 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe you should tell your pastor now and maybe instead he could have you do help for the littler children for sunday school. Or also maybe youth group for the older kids. There is always playing a instrument in the church band. But the first thing I would do would be to tell my pastor how I felt and tell him this really dosnt seem like my thing.
2007-07-27 22:00:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
talk to your pastor about it , there is something you might have to get off your mind. There are other ways you can work for the Lord, being a youth minster, song leader, teacher, An Elder is one of the greatest roles a person can be, you are helping to shepard the flock and lead them to heaven. Don"t worry , just talk about it to your pastor. He might understand more than you think.
2007-07-27 22:06:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋