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Converted Minister Needs Advice

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by clarksvilletn, Aug 23, 2011.

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  1. clarksvilletn

    clarksvilletn New Member

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    Greetings everybody! I have a situation on my hands and I am in need of some guidance. I got called to the ministry when I was 19. I did not grow up in Church but I went to a solid Christian school (sports scholarship) in high school. I started going to a Church of God (pentecostal) when I was 15. I went there because my girlfriend (who is now my wife) was not allowed to date until we were 16.

    Despite my call to preach, I was not allowed to become licensed because I had not spoke in tongues. Doors opened, however, for me to preach very quickly. At 20 I was asked to go and pastor a church. It was independent but pentecostal in name. I was only there six months because it was an unusual situation. I would leave and pastor another independent church that only had about 50 members. God blessed us and we grew to over 400 and had over 125 people saved during services in my 4 years there. I would leave there and start an inner-city Church and tuition free inner-city Christian school. I was there 5 years and the church currently runs around 300.

    While I have almost always been more like a Baptist than pentecostal, I was hung on a few issues. I am still not against spiritual gifts. However, they have to be done within the guidelines of the Bible. That eliminated about 90% of what you see. My one hangup with the baptist church was the idea, "once saved-always saved". However, about a year ago I read the book "Eternal Security" by Charles Stanley. This sent me on an in-depth study and I am now 100% convinced in the eternal security of the believer.

    I know this is long but please allow me a few more lines. I resigned my Church a few months ago and moved to TN. I have been attending a southern baptist Church for the last few months. I am in complete alignment with the creed and beliefs of this Church. So do you have any advice? I am leaning toward becoming a SBC minister. I am not sure how to address my past with the SBC or anyone else. I don't want to be deceptive but I don't know how to handle this. I am now 32 and feel like I am starting over.
     
    #1 clarksvilletn, Aug 23, 2011
  2. exscentric

    exscentric Well-Known Member
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    Go forward, if it comes up explain it, if not don't. If you feel compelled to explain, do so - doubt it would make any difference.

    On the other hand, your wife is another thing. Is she in agreement? Have seen tons of friction come into marriages where the wife is charismatic and the husband not. Be sure that is settled before you do anything.

    Prayer throughout the process of course is the key :)
     
    #2 exscentric, Aug 23, 2011
  3. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    First off, welcome to the BB. Thanks for your story of God's leading of your life.

    Let me say that the SBC doesn't ordain anyone. It would be a local church who would ordain you after asking you to describe and defend your beliefs in an ordination council. So you need to go to your local church pastor and talk to him. Tell him your story. Ask him what he would suggest.

    There is more to Southern Baptists than just a certain set of core beliefs. Read the Baptist Faith and Message Learn how we do things on a local church level as well as how we do missions and education.
     
    #3 Tom Bryant, Aug 23, 2011
  4. clarksvilletn

    clarksvilletn New Member

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    Thanks for the reply. I was referring to the BFM2000. However, I couldn't think of the name of it. I do realize that the Church is who ordains you and they are willing to. Would I not have to interview with the SBC office before being considered for Churches. I guess that is not a big issue because I am more likely to plant one. However, right now, I feel that being under another Pastor is good for me because I started so young.
     
    #4 clarksvilletn, Aug 23, 2011
  5. clarksvilletn

    clarksvilletn New Member

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    My wife is complete agreement. Her family was the old school holiness. No pants etc. However, the day we got married (19), she bought a nice pair of pants lol. She feels the same way about Pentecost as I do. For example, I have no doubt a person could pray in tongues at home. However, why would it be needed at Church in today's time. We have the Word of God and the message prepared by the Pastor. Isn't that revelation enough?
     
    #5 clarksvilletn, Aug 23, 2011
  6. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    No interview with any office is needed. Each local church calls their own pastor. Now to start a church you would probably need to talk to your local association and maybe state convention so they could assess you for start up funds unless of course, you are filthy rich and don't need their money. :tongue3:
     
    #6 Tom Bryant, Aug 23, 2011
  7. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Just to clarify - a church will often ask the Director of Mission for advice before calling a pastor - not required, but his assistance may be worth the time.
     
    #7 Salty, Aug 23, 2011
  8. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    One more bit of counsel for you. Get your pastor to school you on Southern Baptist polity. Ask him to explain how your church relates to the Association, the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist convention.

    Ask him about local church independence and autonomy.

    Ask him about your own church's way of governing. Ask him how things get done with a congregational government.

    Ask him to explain about the Cooperative Program

    If you're going to be a Baptist, learn all you can about how Baptists get things done.

    And one more thing. Have a conversation with your pastor about Baptist doctrine and ecclesiology. There's more to it than eternal security.

    Hope this helps, and God guide you in the direction for your ministry.
     
    #8 Tom Butler, Aug 23, 2011
  9. ktn4eg

    ktn4eg New Member

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    FIrst of all, welcome to BB!! :wavey:

    You're getting some very solid advice in these posts. Although I'm not SBC myself, I've got plenty of friends who are SBC both in my locality & here on BB [With the exception of Salty, that is! :laugh:]

    BTW, I'm sending you a PM. Hope you'll respond.

    God bless you as you seek to serve our Lord!!
     
    #9 ktn4eg, Aug 23, 2011
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