“Frequently Asked Questions”
1. Question: So, just what do you do?
The Body of Christ utilizes different roles and ministry giftings working in tandem. Local pastors (as which I formerly served) minister deeply and lastingly, yet the Lord often uses outsiders to provide poignant impact. I serve as a resource for use by established ministries. It may be as guest preacher, spiritual renewal series, leadership training & retreats, or mission conferences. Internationally, I speak in Pastor Conferences, teach at Bible Colleges, evangelistic crusades, and who knows what else! The best way to summarize the diversity of speaking venues and topics is my coy comment, “I go where I’m asked and do what I’m told.”
2. Question: Why this type of mobile ministry instead of just working in one place?
Utilizing itinerant preachers and teachers is biblical. Old Testament precedent is found in II Chronicles 17, New Testament in Ephesians 4, III John, Apollos, Epaphroditus, and others. Historical precedent is seen with Whitfield, Finney, Graham, and others. Finally, the present effect and testimonies I hear firsthand are noteworthy. (Besides, I’m sort of like Tabasco Sauce, a little bit of me goes a long way.)
3. Question: How is it determined where you minister?
I go only where I am invited.
4. Question: How is this ministry funded?
By people like you who ask. Churches and individuals believe in this work and support with their prayers and their pennies.
5. Question: Are you with any organization, or do you do this on your own?
I have been affiliated with the ministry association of Ambassadors For Christ International for over twenty years. Founded in 1948, it is a loose fellowship of preacher/teacher types like me who serve wherever the Lord opens }doors.
6. Question: Why doesn’t Brenda travel with you all the time?
One of us has to have a real job to help pay for this endeavor. Actually, her income does supplement, as well as provide health insurance for us. When she can slip away during her vacation, she joins me on occasion.
7. Question: What is the toughest part about travel?
Time zones.
8. Question: What is the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
Canned tuna. If God wanted fish to be in cans, He wouldn’t have given them scales.
9. Question: What do you do when you’re home?
That’s the same question my wife asks.
10. Question: What is most frustrating in ministry?
Spiritual disinterest. That, and pastors who don’t answer e mail.
11. Question: In your opinion, what is the main spiritual challenge faced in ministry today?
Post-modern secularism. Western materialized society has relegated once inherently revered religion to functional insignificance. We have stuff and technology, so who needs morals, values, and faith? Truth is rendered relative. Likewise, I observe in countries with ancient religious identity (such as Hindu or Bhuddist), among the urbanized, globalized, and educated younger generation religion is becoming merely a cultural formality. In practicality, they desperately seek the same material affluence observed in non-religious societies. (Prime example: modern Japan) Hence, the primary evangelistic task is awakening someone to their spiritual need.
12. Question: What is the greatest need in the church today?
To clean up its act; in a word, revival. This business of factions, criticism, and trivial pursuit that many congregations enjoy is paralyzing. Forgive my bluntness, but far too many people in the pews want to play church with a user-friendly commitment. Likewise, contemporary “Storefront Churches”, as I call them, (and praise God for them!) while offering cutting edge methodology, at times fall prey to a consumer mindset. Leaders plot ministry strategy guided by the pragmatic question, “What works?” Their people ask the egocentric question, “What’s in it for me”? That’s a far cry from the over-arching biblical concern, “What does God want”?
13. Question: How can I pray for you?
Often.
14. Question: Are you always this brief?
No.