In brief, my message, method, and manner of ministry comes out of the Word of God. The ministry pursuit of my life is devotional, that is, it flows out of my intimate relationship with the Lord and into the lives of people. Ezra’s example has been my challenge: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).
It is my desire to work in accountability with God’s people for the task of ministry, respecting biblical roles and relationships, as well as the vital gifts that are manifest within the body of Christ. I have always desired to be a team player, but recognize the importance of both nourishing the flock and admonishing them with example, sincerity, love, and firmness. I will not sacrifice truth for the cause of unity, but at the same time, I endeavor to lead without lording it over God’s inheritance. Grace and truth, velvet and steel, has been my goal while serving, but it is a fullness that must be constantly worked at in my life— which I endeavor to do with the accountability of my family and church leadership.
Fruit that remains for the Kingdom in the salvation of souls and the purifying of God’s own is my heart’s desire. It is my conviction that genuine fruit can only be secured through the Holy Spirit, and lives surrendered up for the Master’s use. The methodologies of men to secure lasting fruit seem worthless to me, unless of course those methods come out of the Book. Success in ministry is thus what God declares success, as opposed to the marketing measurements of men.
