By Rod Boyd Most of us have experienced the emotion
of the anointing while preaching. They are very satisfying moments when
we feel a special connection with the Holy Spirit and with those to whom
we are ministering. We simply feel “effective” at these special times;
recognizing that it is because the Spirit is flowing through us, using
us for His purposes. I wonder if this is the same type of experience
that Peter had on the mountain top when he witnessed the
transfiguration.
We could be real spiritual and say that our ministry should always be on
the mountain top. When was the last time you felt the anointing while
driving a MAPS team to go souvenir shopping? Or trying to finish your
first quarter report… in the third quarter? Or sitting in a presbytery
meeting discussing two pastors who are bickering? Ministry is not always
glorious. It is often ordinary and requires persistence. But ministry
can also be extraordinary. Even though it shouldn’t depend upon these
special moments, they sure do help!
I don’t think the anointing is limited to preaching. As teachers we
also experience the same “rush” of emotion and satisfaction, connection
and effectiveness. Actually, any ministry can and should have these
experiences. We are discovering that teaching is much broader than we
think. Ministerial training ranges from the traditional setting of
teaching a class, to less formal training that can take the form of
discipling, mentoring or coaching an individual or small group.
Ministerial training is also leadership development, when we equip,
encourage or guide a group of leaders to themselves become effective
trainers.
I had one of these incredibly fulfilling moments in March. We were
hosting the Educational Leaders Dialogue in Panama. Most of the national
Christian education directors were present along with a couple of
superintendents, SEC ministry leaders and some missionaries. We were
privileged to have Osmany Cruz, Director of the Bible schools in Cuba.
Most of the time, due to visa restrictions, our Cuban brothers are not
able to attend these international events. But this time he was able to
come.
During country reports, Osmany shared about the very large Bible school
program in Cuba and how difficult it is to print and distribute teaching
materials. God began to move upon different individuals. One of our
superintendents committed to challenge the superintendents from all of
the countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region to give an
offering help purchase a truck to facilitate delivery of materials. One
of our national Bible school directors raised an offering and presented
it to Osmany at the end of the Dialogue and committed his country to
help with printing and teaching materials.
The anointing of God was there… it was an incredibly fulfilling moment!
To think I’ve had two other moments since then! In April I was in
Honduras teaching the first PROCEPA seminar. PROCEPA is a new teacher
training certification program for Bible school teachers. Since it was
introduced a year ago, we’ve had almost 1,000 teachers take at least one
of the ten workshops required for certification. A few more than 100
teachers had signed up for the seminar in Honduras. We ended up with an
attendance of 160! The anointing of God was there… it was an incredibly
fulfilling moment!
In May, we had dinner with the superintendent from Guatemala. He talked
with us about his own personal involvement in training pastors. He
shared a recent experience of teaching an intensive seminar for one of
the more remote sections in the country. He said there were about 60
pastors, workers and deacons that attended the classes. In addition to
teaching a class, he also preached in the closing service, challenging
each one to recognize and follow God’s call on his or her life. I was
moved to hear him recount the dozens that responded—weeping before the
Lord in sweet surrender! He said, “We’re planning the same event for all
of our sections in 2010.” I asked him, how many? He said 108! The
anointing of God was there… it was an incredibly fulfilling moment!
When we preach, teach, train, equip, disciple, mentor, coach or guide,
we not only multiply our ministry, but we also influence and empower
ministry in countless others. Could it be that our greatest calling as
missionaries is to multiply ourselves and multiply ministry? May God
open our eyes to recognize the impact we are having as we give ourselves
to training. May God grant you a special anointing with many incredibly
fulfilling moments!
When is the last time you experienced one of these moments? Encourage us
by sharing your experience on the
ACLAME Blog! |
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