As of October 15, Haley and I have been working at Jersey Village for an entire year. It is almost hard to believe that we have been here for a whole year, while at other times, it seems like we have been here for several. Regardless of how long or short it feels like it’s been, I can honestly say it has been one incredible year for so many reasons. It has been challenging, no doubt, but I have been truly blessed to be a part of such a great congregation and be able to be a part of such a great work.
In the Greek language, there are two different words for knowledge: Oida (οἶδα) and ginosko (γινώσκω). While both terms are commonly translated in English as “knowledge,” these two words are quite different in their meaning. Oida, on the one hand, refers to an educated, “book-smart,” factual sort of knowledge. Ginosko, on the other hand, is considered knowledge gained through experience. Why do I bring all of this up? Before Jersey Village, I had plenty of oida about ministry (After all, I spent two years of school training specifically for ministry.) However, since moving to Houston, I have gained a year’s worth of ginosko. I want to share just a few of the things I have learned about ministry over this past year:
- Ministry is challenging. Attending a Bible Institute, preaching school, or even just majoring in Bible/ministry at a Christian college, you will hear those three words regularly. People who have experience in ministry can tell you the hardships and challenges that come with the work. Even the apostle Paul expressed the challenges he faced. He faced several physical difficulties in his ministry (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). He also had to deal with people constantly that disappointed him (e.g., Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 5-15; 2 Corinthians 6:11-13). Ministry is a difficult road—people you work with will disappoint you and frustrate you. You will have long nights and early mornings trying to deal with problems and issues that no one else knows about. You will have times where you don’t feel adequate or skilled enough for the work given to you. You will have times where you feel overwhelmed or burnt out. That is all part of the work, but I promise it’s not all of it.
- Ministry is amazing! I started out with the “ministry is challenging” to get it out of the way. While it is challenging, the blessings that come through ministry far outweigh the difficulties. Several times in his letters, we see Paul speaking about his thankfulness for the churches and the blessings they have been in his life (e.g., Colossians 1:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8; Philippians 1:3-11). The people you get to be with in ministry are some of the most brilliant people you can have in your life. I am blessed to be working under an incredible group of shepherds who have a deep love and passion for the Lord and His church. I am blessed to work side by side with brothers in Christ who share in the love of the Word and sharing it with others. I am blessed to work with a congregation that loves each other and cares deeply for one another. As a youth minister, one of the greatest blessings has come from the youth group I work with. Jersey Village has an amazing group of young people who long to learn and grow in their relationships with the Lord and with one another. They are passionate about studying the Word and are willing to help in whatever areas they can. They have been an inspiration and example to me in so many ways.
- The Lord is always in control and always has a plan. Once we graduated from school, Haley and I both were very lost in what we were going to do next. Trying to find a position in the middle of COVID was no easy feat for many of our fellow classmates or for us. However, something very special happens when you bring your thoughts and concerns before God! Before we knew it, He opened several opportunities across the country to try out at different congregations. He gave us the chance to meet the people that we are now working with every day. In all of the situation over the past year, it has become increasingly apparent to me that the Lord is always and forever will be in control. He has a plan that we may never really see or understand, but we can have confidence in knowing He will use us for His work if we allow Him to.
Really this article is more a jumble of my thoughts over the past year. I haven’t included everything that I have felt/experienced in this year of ministry (I would need a lot more time for that!) This all being said, I am blessed to be a Christian. I am blessed to have this ministry. I am blessed to be in a place to serve the Lord. Maybe some of you reading this are interested in pursuing a life of ministry—if there is anything I can do to help you in that decision, please let me know! The road ahead is bright when we work for the Lord!
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