My guidance in the church is not lording it over, but in giving guidance and being an example

Developing a style

Serving at Kleefeld as a young minister, he felt “locked into the system,” though even then seeking his own style. Fast felt greater freedom when he became leading minister; it allowed him to subtly reveal his own character and insights. It has been important to express his style. When using tools or resources from elsewhere, he “always needed to make it my own” before using it in ministry.

In his Christ-centred journey he has moved from external models toward trusting himself internally— though in continued reliance upon God’s Word, His Spirit, and guidance through the Church.

It is partly through looking at our journey, and putting our weaknesses and strengths into perspective, that we can see Christ’s grace displayed. Such grace has been at the heart of Rev. Fast’s ministry. 2. I am a servant of Jesus Christ to the church.

Colossians 1:25: “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).

This was my motto at our ordination.

3. My guidance in the church is not lording it over, but in giving guidance and being an example.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care—serving it as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

4. In working together with the leadership in the church:

• We must purpose in our hearts not to have personal agendas. • We must seek God’s will and His glory in all we do.

How has his self-care changed? He had to learn the value of taking holidays, and says he should have “resisted” more being away from home, even for the Lord’s work. If his wife Gladys hadn’t been so capable, he says their family life might have been disastrous. Three of four children are now married; their second child died at two days old.

A philosophy shared

What is Rev. Fast’s philosophy of ministry? In short, he looks on people in the church as coworkers. It was at the start of his ministry in La Crete Christian Fellowship, when he was 60, that he presented this philosophy of ministry. He offers it now simply as a reference point and for discussion.

One can only be grateful for gentle Rev. Fast’s openness in describing his spiritual journey and his philosophy of ministry. He is aware that it is partly through looking at our journey, and putting our we can see Christ’s grace displayed. Such grace has been at the heart of his ministry. M T

My Philosophy for the Ministry

1. I have been called of God to the ministry.

weaknesses and strengths into perspective, that We should seek a consensus in decision making. We need to spend time in praying together. There should be liberty to voice ideas and convictions we believe are of God, without fear of being labeled or put down. We need to listen to each other, and seek to understand the other’s viewpoint. There is also the liberty to disagree or to question ideas expressed. When someone disagrees with my idea, I do not take that as a personal affront. My dreams, revelations, and thoughts need to be tested by others. It is through prayer and discussion (always keeping in mind what the Blble says) that God’s will can be revealed. Our differing gifts and insights working as a unit, with love for each other, will make us strong. Division in the leadership is destructive and not of God. Colossians 3:1–17 is a good reference point from which to receive direction as we serve the Lord together. Milton Fast