I asked my good friend, Levi Leeder, to write a post on passion in the ministry. I have several ministry friends, some are serving as pastors, some as associate or youth pastors, some school teachers, some missionaries, and others. I know, from my own personal experiences and from talking to ministry friends that it is easy to lose our passion in the ministry. I asked Pastor Leeder to write on this subject, because I believe that he is truly passionate about the work of the Lord. I hope that his post will be a blessing to you.
Living in Grapevine, Texas I have the opportunity to see men that represent the passion they have for their favorite sports team. When the weekend started everyone donned their favorite sports teams colors as if they where a badge of honor. If you where to ask any warm-blooded American who they routed for it would be safe to say that 95% of them would give you an answer. Win or lose, the passion of a sports fan will never die.
When we look at the Churches of this generation we have a lack of passion sweeping through them like it’s an infectious disease. We would rather stand up for our favorite sports team then stand for The Lord and His Church. We have traded our Bible for a Football, our Churches for a field, and our Faith for a false sense of enjoyment. Passion is not something that can be manufacture, bought, or born with. Passion is when you devote your whole heart to a cause, vision, or goal and will do all you can to see it through. The question has to be asked, “why has the passion for the ministry faded in so many Christians?” I believe we can have revival in this generation but it will need the Christians of this generation to get a passion for the ministry again. So how do you continue to have a passion for the ministry?
First, we must remember who lives through us. Galatians 2:20 says: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”. When we think of all that Christ has done for us we can’t help but keep the passion that was started at the start of our salvation. I am humbled by the fact that God chose to use a worthless sinner such as me. When the Creator of the universe decides to leave his glory and die for you it should light a passion in your heart.
Second,we must understand that we are examples to those around us. Matthew 5:16 says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. Have you ever taught a class of young people? When you are teaching a class there will always be a leader of the group. The mood of the leader will spread and effect the rest of the group. D.L. Moody was quoted saying, “the world has yet to see what one man can do that is wholly surrendered to God”. One of the reasons the Churches are full of people with a lack of passion is due to the lack of passion in the congregation. We are called to be a light in this dark world and as a light we have a responsibility to spread that passion to others. You need to stop and ask yourself if you are the reason passion has been stifled in the local church. We must carry the passion that Christ has given us to those around us so the light of Christ can burn brighter.
In conclusion, I want to make it clear on why we can’t afford to lose our passion. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. When you have your sights set on a goal you will be focused on finishing it no matter what. We as Christians do not have the luxury of going through this life without a fire in our souls for the lost. I believe, with all my heart, that if we lose our passion then the future generation has no hope. We have an obligation to this and future generations to keep that passion that we once had. Christian, you must keep your passion; the future depends on it.
For more info about the Pastor Leeder’s ministry as a youth pastor, check out Bethel Baptist Church in Grapevine, Texas.
Next week I will continue Lessons My Mom Taught Me, you won’t want to miss it.
If you haven’t yet, check out Calvary Baptist Church, the church that I am the pastor of.
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