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Ministry: A Calling or a Luring?
By
Cedric Moss


Today there seems to be no shortage of individuals who are stepping out to lead churches, especially those without denominational attachment. They gather a core group, rent a building, put up a sign and seek to build a congregation. While there is nothing wrong with this in and of itself, I have a concern that many persons are perhaps being lured into ministry and not necessarily called into it. I do not say this to point the finger or to try to play God to determine who is called and who is not. I state it as a reminder to myself and other ministers of the Gospel that we need to do our utmost to project our calling in a Biblical manner so that we do not seduce and entice people into the ministry who have not been called.

Calling vs. Luring
Have you ever wondered why the ministry of the Gospel of Christ is referred to as a calling? I think the reason is simple: No one in their right mind who understands what Biblical ministry entails would volunteer for it. Therefore, God calls.

Years ago, I remember an older Church leader saying that a certain degree of reluctance on the part of ministerial candidates was one of the tests he used to assess whether he felt an individual was called to ministry. Although his was not a fail-proof test, I believe he made a valid point: Anyone venturing into Christian ministry with an accurate understanding of what it really entails would exhibit some degree of reluctance.

Luring, on the other hand, comes about when individuals observe and are enticed by worldly values and benefits that far too many church leaders and churches exhibit: Power, position, personal recognition and material gain. Visit the average church service or watch Christian television and you will quickly see the enticing worldly carrots that are devoid of self denial and self giving that lure so many into ministry.

A Glaring Contrast
Consider Paul’s description of his leadership office in 1st Corinthians 4:9-13 and contrast it to the landscape of the Church today. What a difference! Just imagine reading those five verses to those lining up for the ministry. I think the line would thin out quickly, separating the called from the lured.
For men like Paul who wrote the New Testament letters, the servant/slave mindset was the work example they identified with but today far too many Church leaders identify with the CEO and Boss paradigm for their work. And what’s the result? Many are lured into the ministry because of what they see it can offer – power and perks.

What’s the Difference?
Several times during his earthly ministry, Jesus had to settle the “who is the greatest” question among his primary disciples. The corrective words of Jesus in each case were the same. He reminded them that leadership in the Kingdom of God was very different from the world’s way. In the world, he said, leaders rule and lord their authority over those they lead but in the Kingdom, leaders are to serve their people and the greater the leader is the more he serves. When we in general contrast leadership in the Kingdom of God and in the world, we have to ask the question: “What’s the difference?” Sadly, apart from some encouraging exceptions, there is no difference. And what’s the result? Many are lured into the ministry.

Giving or Getting?
One of the most moving leadership addresses in Scripture is Paul’s tearful farewell to the Ephesian elders (see Acts 20:13-36). In it he testified about how he conducted his ministry and he repeated the following quote from the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Contrary the values espoused by Paul and our Lord’s statement, today many church leaders flaunt a “getting” mentality that they call prosperity and success. Again, what has been the result? It has resulted in a widespread “getting” mentality in the Church, and has led to the many being lured into the ministry to get.

Towards Biblical Calling
The reality is that this luring will continue as long as those of us who have the privilege to preach the Gospel of Christ continue to exhibit ministry that does not reflect the values and way of Christ’s Kingdom. May the Lord open our eyes and convict our hearts so that we might truly repent and model Biblical ministry that will draw the called and turn back the lured.


Cedric Moss serves as Senior Pastor at Kingdom Life World Outreach Centre. Comments and feedback may be directed to him at: apostle@kingdom-life.org.

I have great respect for the "call" when it is real but I think to many are like the Pastor in this story that I heard a Christian Pastor tell.

"There was a Pastor who was shepherding a Church in a very, very poor section of town. There was never enough money. One day the Bishop called and said, "Fred, there is a church on the rich side I town. They need a Pastor. Do you want to be transferred there?

Pastor Fred told his wife about it. "More money, more prestige." He told her. "But I have to go over to the Church and pray to see if it is God's will that I go." The wife asked, "What can I do to help?" The Pastor told her to, Go upstairs and pack!"

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Ministry: A Calling or a Luring?
By
Cedric Moss


Today there seems to be no shortage of individuals who are stepping out to lead churches, especially those without denominational attachment. They gather a core group, rent a building, put up a sign and seek to build a congregation. While there is nothing wrong with this in and of itself, I have a concern that many persons are perhaps being lured into ministry and not necessarily called into it. I do not say this to point the finger or to try to play God to determine who is called and who is not. I state it as a reminder to myself and other ministers of the Gospel that we need to do our utmost to project our calling in a Biblical manner so that we do not seduce and entice people into the ministry who have not been called.

1) What denomination was Christ?
1a) If you are called why do you need a denomination?
1b) Is not the Creator able to give you the knowledge needed to teach for the Creator if you are called. Why do you have to get a certificate from a seminary school?


Calling vs. Luring
Have you ever wondered why the ministry of the Gospel of Christ is referred to as a calling? I think the reason is simple: No one in their right mind who understands what Biblical ministry entails would volunteer for it. Therefore, God calls.

2) So those that are called are crazy??

Years ago, I remember an older Church leader saying that a certain degree of reluctance on the part of ministerial candidates was one of the tests he used to assess whether he felt an individual was called to ministry. Although his was not a fail-proof test, I believe he made a valid point: Anyone venturing into Christian ministry with an accurate understanding of what it really entails would exhibit some degree of reluctance.

Luring, on the other hand, comes about when individuals observe and are enticed by worldly values and benefits that far too many church leaders and churches exhibit: Power, position, personal recognition and material gain. Visit the average church service or watch Christian television and you will quickly see the enticing worldly carrots that are devoid of self denial and self giving that lure so many into ministry.

3)You have not done badly for your self. You have a computer that is connected to the Internet. Your photo shows you have nice clothes. Do you have a home a car?
How many children in Nassau went to bed hungry last night?
4) I am still looking in the Bible to find where Christ said to erect buildings for his worship, with locks on the doors,
while there are homeless.
"Power, position, personal recognition and material gain."



A Glaring Contrast
Consider Paul’s description of his leadership office in 1st Corinthians 4:9-13 and contrast it to the landscape of the Church today. What a difference! Just imagine reading those five verses to those lining up for the ministry. I think the line would thin out quickly, separating the called from the lured.
For men like Paul who wrote the New Testament letters, the servant/slave mindset was the work example they identified with but today far too many Church leaders identify with the CEO and Boss paradigm for their work. And what’s the result? Many are lured into the ministry because of what they see it can offer – power and perks.

5) Paul is never met Christ. Pauls only clams to have been called (see responce 2

1 Corinthians 4
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
(see responce 3)

What’s the Difference?
Several times during his earthly ministry, Jesus had to settle the “who is the greatest” question among his primary disciples. The corrective words of Jesus in each case were the same. He reminded them that leadership in the Kingdom of God was very different from the world’s way. In the world, he said, leaders rule and lord their authority over those they lead but in the Kingdom, leaders are to serve their people and the greater the leader is the more he serves. When we in general contrast leadership in the Kingdom of God and in the world, we have to ask the question: “What’s the difference?” Sadly, apart from some encouraging exceptions, there is no difference. And what’s the result? Many are lured into the ministry.



Giving or Getting?
One of the most moving leadership addresses in Scripture is Paul’s tearful farewell to the Ephesian elders (see Acts 20:13-36). In it he testified about how he conducted his ministry and he repeated the following quote from the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Contrary the values espoused by Paul and our Lord’s statement, today many church leaders flaunt a “getting” mentality that they call prosperity and success. Again, what has been the result? It has resulted in a widespread “getting” mentality in the Church, and has led to the many being lured into the ministry to get.

6) So moneies are collected, then money is taken out for the building and utilities to keep the doors open so more can be collected. Sounds like good buisness to me. (However see 4) Profits in the name of Christ.

Towards Biblical Calling
The reality is that this luring will continue as long as those of us who have the privilege to preach the Gospel of Christ continue to exhibit ministry that does not reflect the values and way of Christ’s Kingdom. May the Lord open our eyes and convict our hearts so that we might truly repent and model Biblical ministry that will draw the called and turn back the lured.

7) What’s happening competition dipping into your profits??

Cedric Moss serves as Senior Pastor at Kingdom Life World Outreach Centre. Comments and feedback may be directed to him at: apostle@kingdom-life.org.

3)You have not done badly for your self. You have a computer that is connected to the Internet. Your photo shows you have nice clothes. Do you have a home a car?
How many children in Nassau went to bed hungry last night?
4) I am still looking in the Bible to find where Christ said to erect buildings for his worship, with locks on the doors,
while there are homeless.
"Power, position, personal recognition and material gain."

No matter what any ones says as long as it isn't on the line of supporting your views they have to have some alterior motive. Why dont you sell all that you have and give it to the poor? Since these people going hungry to bed every night. If you have not done this you are just as bad or maybe even worst that the people you are condeming along with all the other christians that you feel should be doing the same thing. You dont need to be a christian or Buddist or even Islamic to have a calling to do this it would just be the right thing to do. So the next time you make a post I would like to see you in some rages please or least making sure that those people who went to sleep hungry last night dont go again. It's also obvious that you looking for the same thing "Power, position, personal recognition and material gain." I know you will reply because you always do your pride just won't allow you to let this go with out a reply. Later.

Anthony.

I just read the quotation from Helen Klonaris and am at a loss to understand why that would be mentioned in this thread - unless it is given as a caution to us all. "My truth" in this post-modern society in which we live, is a fickle truth, for tomorrow, we might find out that "my truth" has no validity whatsoever. Rather, we can ONLY rely on GOD'S TRUTH, for we know He is faithful and unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever.

I think The Bahamas has been lured all right. The get-rich-quick syndrome is fast consuming this nation which calls itself Christian. Let me give you a prophecy: when the Free Trade Agreement takes over the Bahamas (which it will), there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth as the poor get poorer and the rich get richer.

Example? In Ontario, Canada, the most densely populated area of Canada and a mecca for immigrants, entry-level jobs were easily found in garment factories, subject to Canada's employment laws, but mostly minimum wage jobs. These factories are being forced out of business, with the jobs they provided going to China where competent labour is available at just .48 Cdn. an hour! A recently-announced estimate of job loss in this area is 100,000 employees! But such sweat shops are even closer to you now. Just look at Jamaica!

This may appear to be a posting with a jumbled message. Believe me and think! It is all related.

Apostle Cedric Moss knows whereof he speaks. Mr. Zhivargo Laing knows whereof he speaks. Listen to them. But if it is "my truth" that you prefer to "stand" on, then friend, you may need to rethink your understanding of what truth is.

3)You have not done badly for your self. You have a computer that is connected to the Internet. Your photo shows you have nice clothes. Do you have a home a car?
How many children in Nassau went to bed hungry last night?
4) I am still looking in the Bible to find where Christ said to erect buildings for his worship, with locks on the doors,
while there are homeless.
"Power, position, personal recognition and material gain."

No matter what any ones says as long as it isn't on the line of supporting your views they have to have some alterior motive. Why dont you sell all that you have and give it to the poor? Since these people going hungry to bed every night. If you have not done this you are just as bad or maybe even worst that the people you are condeming along with all the other christians that you feel should be doing the same thing. You dont need to be a christian or Buddist or even Islamic to have a calling to do this it would just be the right thing to do. So the next time you make a post I would like to see you in some rages please or least making sure that those people who went to sleep hungry last night dont go again. It's also obvious that you looking for the same thing I know you will reply because you always do your pride just won't allow you to let this go with out a reply. Later.

Anthony.


Anthony Yes I must respond to this you don't know me from hole in the wall. First off my family says if it weren't for them stopping me I would give every thing away. I have had many a time when some one would ask for money and I would empty my pocket. My wife does not want me to carry money any more because I would give it away. There is an old man that pass's my way and when I see him I empty my pocket. He showed me how worthwhile it was one day we saw each other and I went to him and said business was poor this week and I had nothing. He reached into his pocket and gave it to me. $1.56 No counting or anything.
I once had to argue with my wife out side of a grocery store a woman was out side begging for pampers for her baby. We had a poor week so money was very limited. I put pampers in the cart but we did not have enough money so I took other items out of the cart and my wife was royally made with me. Do you want to hear more I have lots?
As to homeless I have a woman and her child (not mine) living in my house because she has no place else to go. Her boy friend and father of the child thew her out. (She is my ex wife) There is another young woman that comes to my home every night so she and her daughter can eat. I only ask that she clean up after her self. I look after my Mom and Dad. Our car had to be parked because it’s to old to fix and we don’t have enough to get another one. I had 2 nice dresses we (my wife and I) gave one to her sister because she had nothing to wear to a wedding the other went to our sister-in law. It’s a good thing my wife and I are pretty much the same size so we can share clothes. We were held up at gunpoint Dec. 2002 it whipped us out finically every thing was taken inventory and cash but we kept going.

I do not collect tithes in the name of the Creator. Nor do I live on them nor do I build buildings and lock out the homeless while I go home for a nice meal paid for by tithes.
Ulterior motive no I call a spade a spade just many don’t like it because they want their spade to be a diamond. As I say I just hold up a mirror for people to see them selves.

I just read the quotation from Helen Klonaris and am at a loss to understand why that would be mentioned in this thread - unless it is given as a caution to us all. "My truth" in this post-modern society in which we live, is a fickle truth, for tomorrow, we might find out that "my truth" has no validity whatsoever. Rather, we can ONLY rely on GOD'S TRUTH, for we know He is faithful and unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever.

I think The Bahamas has been lured all right. The get-rich-quick syndrome is fast consuming this nation which calls itself Christian. Let me give you a prophecy: when the Free Trade Agreement takes over the Bahamas (which it will), there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth as the poor get poorer and the rich get richer.

Example? In Ontario, Canada, the most densely populated area of Canada and a mecca for immigrants, entry-level jobs were easily found in garment factories, subject to Canada's employment laws, but mostly minimum wage jobs. These factories are being forced out of business, with the jobs they provided going to China where competent labour is available at just .48 Cdn. an hour! A recently-announced estimate of job loss in this area is 100,000 employees! But such sweat shops are even closer to you now. Just look at Jamaica!

This may appear to be a posting with a jumbled message. Believe me and think! It is all related.

Apostle Cedric Moss knows whereof he speaks. Mr. Zhivargo Laing knows whereof he speaks. Listen to them. But if it is "my truth" that you prefer to "stand" on, then friend, you may need to rethink your understanding of what truth is.

Let me make something clear the quote at the end of my post is by Helen I am not Helen.
And I do stand on the ground of my truth because there is no place else to stand. This ground I stand on is the Creator (no matter what name you choose) of all things for with out the Creator creating it. It could not exist.

Anthony Yes I must respond to this you don't know me from hole in the wall. First off my family says if it weren't for them stopping me I would give every thing away. I have had many a time when some one would ask for money and I would empty my pocket. My wife does not want me to carry money any more because I would give it away. There is an old man that pass's my way and when I see him I empty my pocket. He showed me how worthwhile it was one day we saw each other and I went to him and said business was poor this week and I had nothing. He reached into his pocket and gave it to me. $1.56 No counting or anything.
I once had to argue with my wife out side of a grocery store a woman was out side begging for pampers for her baby. We had a poor week so money was very limited. I put pampers in the cart but we did not have enough money so I took other items out of the cart and my wife was royally made with me. Do you want to hear more I have lots?
As to homeless I have a woman and her child (not mine) living in my house because she has no place else to go. Her boy friend and father of the child thew her out. (She is my ex wife) There is another young woman that comes to my home every night so she and her daughter can eat. I only ask that she clean up after her self. I look after my Mom and Dad. Our car had to be parked because it’s to old to fix and we don’t have enough to get another one. I had 2 nice dresses we (my wife and I) gave one to her sister because she had nothing to wear to a wedding the other went to our sister-in law. It’s a good thing my wife and I are pretty much the same size so we can share clothes. We were held up at gunpoint Dec. 2002 it whipped us out finically every thing was taken inventory and cash but we kept going.

I do not collect tithes in the name of the Creator. Nor do I live on them nor do I build buildings and lock out the homeless while I go home for a nice meal paid for by tithes.
Ulterior motive no I call a spade a spade just many don’t like it because they want their spade to be a diamond. As I say I just hold up a mirror for people to see them selves.

Knowing you as I do, I would say that your reply to Anthony, re: your giving to the needy, does not surprise me!

Matthew 6:1-4
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Vicky be very careful when you speak.
Many believers follow that same scripture above and have become witnesses to the truth of it. I am one of them. I am not here to brag but I am not poor (though I use to be). I have been homeless and other things.
When I applied God's word into my life everything changed and I began to see a bigger picture.

You want to know why that young lady comes to your home every night to eat? Because you are giving her the wrong food. Give her the right food and she would eat in her own home.

Their lives and your life will never change unless you both are fed the bread of life. What you call good works could be looked at as filthy rags by God and noting more.

You don't know the story of many Pastors and the sacrifices they made and continue to do. I know many of their stories and I can tell you that what your doing can't compare.

Christ didn't heal everyone and nether can we feed everyone. I see noting wrong with big churches as long as it is needed. But I can tell you one thing though, the bigger the church, the bigger the storehouse. This means more people can be fed and clothed and at the same time receive a life changing word.

Do you understand?

undefined DELROY, I would Love to Shake your Hands!!!! Too many people see the big churches and the nice cars that the pastors and bishops are driving and only comment on that, they never know how, when, when, or where, these persons get their "rewards" from. They don't know their sacrifices on a daily basis and the time it it took to get where they are today. And even if they are not righteous, it is not up to us to judge. We must make sure that we hear God's calling in our lives and we be obedient to him.

THANKYOU DELROY......Continue to be BLESSED!!!!!!!!

Matthew 6:1-4
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Delroy, I noticed in your reply to Vicky that you quoted three scriptures, all of which end in a reward to the giver.

Buddhist, generally speaking, believe that any alms (a voluntary contributions to aid the poor) given in the hopes of a reward, heavenly or other wise, is not really alms, or voluntary as the giver gets no reward if he does not give. It gives the impression that giving is not done from a generous heart but from a wish to get for the self. If so, where is the real merit?

Delroy, I noticed in your reply to Vicky that you quoted three scriptures, all of which end in a reward to the giver.

Buddhist, generally speaking, believe that any alms (a voluntary contributions to aid the poor) given in the hopes of a reward, heavenly or other wise, is not really alms, or voluntary as the giver gets no reward if he does not give. It gives the impression that giving is not done from a generous heart but from a wish to get for the self. If so, where is the real merit?

It's the same in our faith CG.
God looks at the heart of the giver.

Here is another scripture for you:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; )

11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

You see God is not a fool and so being; can't be fooled.

I hope this helps.

It's the same in our faith CG.
God looks at the heart of the giver.

Here is another scripture for you:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; )

11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

You see God is not a fool and so being; can't be fooled.

I hope this helps.

God looks at the heart of the giver, not the gift? If that is so, how can we judge the heart as we cannot see it? Any man's gift should not be questioned as bad or good.

I also still think you are missing the point as most of those new quote you gave me still imply the giver will get something for his act.

God looks at the heart of the giver, not the gift? If that is so, how can we judge the heart as we cannot see it? Any man's gift should not be questioned as bad or good.

I also still think you are missing the point as most of those new quote you gave me still imply the giver will get something for his act.

I am not missing the point. That is just the way God is; if we do good He rewards us.

Let me ask you something. If your child comes home from school with straight A 's on his report card will you reward him?

Even if he got the A 's because he knew that you would give him something for it will you still reward him?

Why is is wrong to question if a gift is good or bad?

If that is so, how can we judge the heart as we cannot see it?

By what comes out of the mouth.