I talked with Brian tonight and he was giddy with excitement about his day. Many of you who know us know that one of Brian's modern-day heroes is John Piper (along with many other young, Reformed men I'm sure). Some people jokingly refer to Brian as one of John Piper's disciples ... well, that is a bit extreme ... but you get the idea.
He shared with me tonight that he saw John Piper as he was getting on the escalator. He was right behind him and decided to say something...
Brian: John Piper! Thank God for you!
(They then shake hands).
Brian: Me shaking your hand is like you shaking the hand of Jonathan Edwards.
John Piper: I'd probably pass out...
Brian: Exactly!
I am happy to say that Brian didn't pass out and embarrass himself ... but let's just say that was icing on the cake!
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Gospel
This week Brian has the incredible opportunity to participate in the Together for the Gospel conference. Although it is hard for Daddy to be away for several days, especially after last week, I am so thankful that he has been blessed with this privilege. My prayer is that he will be encouraged and refreshed and challenged through the preaching of the Word!
Laurie wrote a post about those of us who are "Apart for the Gospel" this week and I have been encouraged by her words. During this past year God has revealed to me the importance of serving Brian by freeing him up for ministry and doing what I can to support his calling. So I can joyfully handle the baths, the dosing of medicine, the discipline and everything else that comes up so that Brian can experience the 'Togetherness' of all those who have come together to share in the glory of the Gospel. I know that the impact of this week will be felt not only by us, but by those we minister to each week.
Looking forward to hearing all about it ...
Laurie wrote a post about those of us who are "Apart for the Gospel" this week and I have been encouraged by her words. During this past year God has revealed to me the importance of serving Brian by freeing him up for ministry and doing what I can to support his calling. So I can joyfully handle the baths, the dosing of medicine, the discipline and everything else that comes up so that Brian can experience the 'Togetherness' of all those who have come together to share in the glory of the Gospel. I know that the impact of this week will be felt not only by us, but by those we minister to each week.
Looking forward to hearing all about it ...
Monday, November 05, 2007
Ministry Testimony
Wow! This post from a couple of weeks ago has generated many encouraging comments and emails. I kind of thought that might happen. I have been begging Brian to start a blog because he's just got so much good stuff to share. God enlightens Brian as he studies the Word and he has a special gift communicating the Truth. His story of ministry is inspiring so I'd like to share a little of it here (hope that's ok honey)! He is probably going to kill me for this but I think it's a neat testimony of God's grace in our lives.
When I met Brian 10 years ago, we were both serving as counselors for Centrifuge. I recognized right away that he was a special person. Everyone liked him and he had a genuine love for the Lord, and for serving the Lord in such a selfless and humble way.
We were married by the end of that same year and were living in Virginia. I remember talking to Brian about whether he felt 'called' to the ministry and whether or not he needed to go to seminary. At that time, he didn't feel a specific 'call' (the term often used in Southern Baptist circles) to go and preach - he just felt led to be a part of the Body and serve there. So he served as a Youth Minister of a small church for several years.
When our first child came along, it was just too much to continue and we walked away from ministry for a while, needing time to recover and be refreshed.
Then through some neighbors, we started attending another fellowship in the area. After joining that church, Brian was asked to lead an Adult Sunday School class. He served there 3 years, 'shepherding' those people and discipling them. It was incredible to see how God continued to affirm the special gift of teaching in Brian.
Two years ago we were privileged to help start a Reformed church plant in the area. Brian is so blessed to be able to serve God and this body in so many ways. He leads worship each week and is now preaching once a month. His passion for spreading the Gospel and for pointing towards the glory of Christ is evident in all that he does.
Through this 10-year journey, I periodically ask Brian, "are you sure you shouldn't be going to seminary? Are you sure you're not called to preach? Everyone who hears you and everyone who sits under your teaching sure thinks you're called to something!" He always just answers with something like, "I have answered His call - I am serving the body."
Growing up in Southern Baptist circles, everyone always said, 'just pray and God will show you His will for your life'. The focus was more on finding the 'plan' God had for you instead of just living for His glory each day, wherever you were. (How many hours I wasted looking for that silly plan!) In those same circles, it was often taught that you had to hear a specific 'call from God to preach' - then go to seminary - then go to a small church - then a bigger church - then a really big church, etc. But now I know better.
A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to a recorded conversation between John Piper and John MacArthur. They talked about the fact that often times, circumstances are what confirms a call on someone's life. John Piper went on to explain that he teaches the youth at his church that gifts are verified within the community of the Body. That makes so much sense doesn't it? Just obediently serve within the Body and God will wither confirm or deny those gifts of ministry.
Through Brian's life, I have seen so many lives changed because of his faithfulness to teach God's Word - and the glory doesn't go to Brian, it goes to Christ, for using a broken vessel to help spread the Gospel! I do see that Brian is 'called' - he is 'anointed' - and he is being 'faithful' and for that I am thankful!
When I met Brian 10 years ago, we were both serving as counselors for Centrifuge. I recognized right away that he was a special person. Everyone liked him and he had a genuine love for the Lord, and for serving the Lord in such a selfless and humble way.
We were married by the end of that same year and were living in Virginia. I remember talking to Brian about whether he felt 'called' to the ministry and whether or not he needed to go to seminary. At that time, he didn't feel a specific 'call' (the term often used in Southern Baptist circles) to go and preach - he just felt led to be a part of the Body and serve there. So he served as a Youth Minister of a small church for several years.
When our first child came along, it was just too much to continue and we walked away from ministry for a while, needing time to recover and be refreshed.
Then through some neighbors, we started attending another fellowship in the area. After joining that church, Brian was asked to lead an Adult Sunday School class. He served there 3 years, 'shepherding' those people and discipling them. It was incredible to see how God continued to affirm the special gift of teaching in Brian.
Two years ago we were privileged to help start a Reformed church plant in the area. Brian is so blessed to be able to serve God and this body in so many ways. He leads worship each week and is now preaching once a month. His passion for spreading the Gospel and for pointing towards the glory of Christ is evident in all that he does.
Through this 10-year journey, I periodically ask Brian, "are you sure you shouldn't be going to seminary? Are you sure you're not called to preach? Everyone who hears you and everyone who sits under your teaching sure thinks you're called to something!" He always just answers with something like, "I have answered His call - I am serving the body."
Growing up in Southern Baptist circles, everyone always said, 'just pray and God will show you His will for your life'. The focus was more on finding the 'plan' God had for you instead of just living for His glory each day, wherever you were. (How many hours I wasted looking for that silly plan!) In those same circles, it was often taught that you had to hear a specific 'call from God to preach' - then go to seminary - then go to a small church - then a bigger church - then a really big church, etc. But now I know better.
A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to a recorded conversation between John Piper and John MacArthur. They talked about the fact that often times, circumstances are what confirms a call on someone's life. John Piper went on to explain that he teaches the youth at his church that gifts are verified within the community of the Body. That makes so much sense doesn't it? Just obediently serve within the Body and God will wither confirm or deny those gifts of ministry.
Through Brian's life, I have seen so many lives changed because of his faithfulness to teach God's Word - and the glory doesn't go to Brian, it goes to Christ, for using a broken vessel to help spread the Gospel! I do see that Brian is 'called' - he is 'anointed' - and he is being 'faithful' and for that I am thankful!
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