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Advice for Young Ministers

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Bro. Allen Kauffman, Apr 5, 2006.

  1. Bro. Allen Kauffman

    Bro. Allen Kauffman New Member

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    Hey! I surrendered to the ministry on July 14, 2005. I am 16 years old and a Junior in High School. I live in Hope, AR. I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me and other young ministers. (Good Seminarys, Scriptures, Sermon Outlines and Ideas, etc.) Thank you and God bless.
     
  2. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    Here is a good Seminary: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

    Here are some good Scriptures with some good advice for your ministry:

    2 Timothy 4:1-5

    1 Corinthians 2:1-5

    Here are some great books to read:

    Scripture Alone by RC Sproul

    and

    Steps to the Sermon by Al Fasol

    I will pray for you as God uses you in the ministry. May you be the next Spurgeon or better. [​IMG]

    Joseph Botwinick
     
  3. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    Bro. Kauffman!! The Bible teaches that he who desires the office of Bishop desires a good thing!!

    I like what I heard the late great Dr. Adrian Rogers say once about his calling into the preaching ministry---goes something like this

    "I was smart enough to say Yes to God's call to preach---and smart enough not to quit!!"

    Joseph Bot has listed what I believe to be the "premier" SBC Seminary---THE Southern Baptist Theological Seminary---under leadership of Dr. Al Mohler---a theological "Einstein"

    It took me a while to become familiar with good conservative authors and preachers---Its sorta like working in my vegetable garden---you let the good stuff grow on you---and weed out the junk! That part will grow on ya!!

    I'm proud of your decision and on God's call on your life, Brother! Lets me and you hang in there until we are taken up, how about that???
     
  4. BroShane

    BroShane New Member

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    Pray, study, and pray some more. Never forget that prayer is your lifeline. Without it you will never know God's perfect will for you. Bathe all things in prayer. Prayer and study will keep you out of unnecessary trouble, and show you how to get through the troubles you will, and must, go through.

    Never, ever, think that because you are called into the ministry that you can ignore the advice of those older than you. That is not to say that everyone older than you has something good to offer, but many older brothers and sisters have been through more trials and tribulation that you can imagine. They know, more than just an intellectual "know," they know the power of prayer, the faithfulness of our Lord, and His ability to deliver. Listen to those that are more mature than you. They are a wealth of spiritual knowledge encouragement. Too many young people do not use this resource to their detriment.

    Never judge your success by man's standards. Obey God. Stand firm on the Word. If you pastor a church with 50 or 5,000 people and it's God's will for you to be there you will be accomplishing what God wants. Never let man define what is success or obedience, always go to the Word.

    Read everything you can, regardless of whether the author is conservative or liberal. They will both be useful: some in giving you a firm foundation and some to give you a warning as to what to expect from the enemy (and there is both at both extremes). Ignore man's labels, conform to the Word. If you do you will probably be tagged as a conservative or fundie - don't worry, there are worse things out there. Being obedient is what's important, not man's labels.

    Be patient. Things will come to you in God's perfect time. It may take years for you to pastor, but God is shaping you and getting you ready (and using you) where you are now. Make yourself able to be shaped and molded into His image, not some man-made idea of what that should be.

    Be loyal to God and His word above all else.

    You are no one's boss. You are a condiut through which God's will and word passes. Don't get too high on yourself.

    You are in for a ride, friend. This is the most joyful, heart rending, lonley, and glorious calling on the planet. It is hard. It will tax you beyond what you think is possible. Your heart will break more times than you think possible. It will also sing with joy. Be prayerfully prepared for both.

    There's nothing like it. If you are called, nothing else will suffice, and nothing else can ease the unrest in your soul. If you aren't called it will make you miserable beyond belief.
     
  5. Nicholas25

    Nicholas25 New Member

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    Stay strong dude, I know it's hard for a lot of teenagers to consistently walk with the Lord. I got away from the Lord at 19 before coming back at 23. Stay strong!!


    Philippians 4:13
     
  6. Plain Old Bill

    Plain Old Bill New Member

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    You are young which is a huge advantage.

    Pray and stay in God's Word. Find good books on Bible doctrine.Get yourself as well grounded and prepared for Bible college and seminary as possible. I know 16 don't seem so young to you now but it is.You have the time to get properly prepared for the task God has called you to.In addition find good mentors.

    I am sure many here will pray for you as you prepare yourself for the work to which you are called.
     
  7. MRCoon

    MRCoon New Member

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    What schools have you considered to attend? I'm a very conservative Independent Fundamental Baptist and would suggest colleges that go against many of the other posters here (many consider these schools legalistic). Ambassador Baptist College (http://www.ambassadors.edu/), West Coast Baptist College (http://www.wcbc.edu/default.asp) and/or Crown College (http://www.goforthecrown.com/). Now I like a few other colleges like BJU, PCC, or BBC, MBC, and even HAC but think the ones I provided links for are the best "Preacher" schools.

    Get some books are how to study. I started and still refer to "Bible Explorers Guide" You can find other great study books here (http://www.thinkbible.org/). My word of advice "Know what you Believe and Believe what you Know" and preach every opportunity you can...whether in a Nursing Home, Sunday School, Children's Church, AWANA, wherever. Always preach out of the Bible with a humble spirit and in the context of your audience. Preach at them not over them or around them but preach with love!

    ~~Martin
     
  8. JRG39402

    JRG39402 New Member

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    I am 17, and I am going into ministry too Allen. I am going to pcc (pccinfo.com) [​IMG]
     
  9. samarelda

    samarelda New Member

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    Ambassador Bible College was founded by Ron Comfort wasn't it? If that is the one I am thinking of I have heard many good things about it.

    While I was growing up, Ron Comfort was in our church many times for revival meetings. He was incredible. His son-in-law, Mike Peletier, will be holding a week of revival meetings at our church in August. I can hardly wait. I heard him preach once at Camp Chetek where our kids go to Bible camp and he is one of the very best evangelists around. Very powerful preacher.

    Bro Allen and JRG--it thrills my heart to hear you young men say you are going into the minstry. Seems most young people are only interested in serving themselves. Will be praying for you.
     
  10. Salamander

    Salamander New Member

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    get in touch with Dr. Eric Capaci in Hot Springs. I'll have to search, but I think their Bible College is.... Oh, I'll have to search

    BRB with the info, it's an IFB college and a great new one at that! (Took the place of the first baptist church there)
     
  11. Salamander

    Salamander New Member

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