The greatest calling in all the world is God’s calling…

Recently, my family and I took a vacation to Tennessee and visited Beyond the Lens. One of the exhibits was a replica of the White House Press Room.

I stood behind the desk to have my picture taken and my wife posted it on Facebook. Several of our friends commented that I had their vote. Even though the picture was just for fun, I believe that the calling on my life to preach the Word of God is highest and most important calling that ex- ists, and I could not imagine doing anything else.

This year marks 17 years in pastoral ministry for me, not including my time as a youth pastor. What a joy and challenge it’s been to shepherd Christ’s flock. Here are some lessons God has taught me during these years (in no particular order of importance): (1.) The church doesn’t belong to me, but to Jesus. He died for it, is building it, and will not let the gates of hell prevail against it. The Head of the church doesn’t need me but chooses to include me in shepherding

Roller Coasters

Attending carnivals, amusement and theme parks over the years has always been a great experience for my family and me.

Some of my favorites include Disney World, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, and Kings Dominion. The top attraction has always been the roller coaster rides: the faster, the higher, or more adventurousthe better. However, when I stood in line, I found myself doubting whether I should actually go for it. My confidence was challenged by fear. Now, don’t leave me hanging. Have you ever wanted to do something, but began to talk yourself out of it because you were afraid? Was it a business endeavor, a ministry opportunity, or a new relationship? Fear will hold us back if we let it. Nevertheless, God doesn’t want us to be paralyzed by fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP) says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind, and self-control].”

Take Your Peace

Anytime I feel anxious about anything, I start praying and asking God for peace so I can enjoy the moment that I am in. Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP) says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” One way I receive peace is to praise and thank God for his peace. Fear won’t hang around when you get busy praising God. The peace of God will envelop your spirit, soul, and body. It’s nothing that the world provides. It’s the supernatural presence of God, for Jesus is the Prince of Peace. John 14:27 (AMP) says, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

“I praise you Lord as the mighty God, everlasting God, Wonderful Counselor, and Prince of Peace. Thank you for peace that surpasses all understanding and that guards my heart and mind in Christ. May I always be aware of your Presence even when I am on an outing. Lord, please strengthen me when worry, anxiousness and fear try to overtake my mind as I ride on the roller coaster of life. Please drive fear from my life. In Jesus’ name, I prayAmen.”

Danyale Patterson would love to hear from you! Contact her at www.danyale.com to share a testimony, send a prayer request, or book her to speak.

His church. There’s hardly a more mind-blowing reality. (2.) God’s Word does the work. As it is faithfully taught and preached, the Spirit of God saves sinners, sanctifies the saints, and sends us into the world to live on mission for Him.

It’s remarkable to see this week after week. I would never stand behind a pulpit if I weren’t utterly convinced of this truth. (3.) No one is more important to me in my church than my wife and children. Church members come and go. But family is for life. Prioritize accordingly. (4.) The years I spent studying have proven utterly invaluable; (5.) Having seasoned mentors to walk you through challenging seasons is crucial; (6.) Pastors shouldn’t pretend to be super-humans because we’re not. Before we were shepherds, we were sheep in Christ’s flock, just like everyone else; left to ourselves, we’re helpless and hopeless. We’re saved by the same grace and need the mercy of Jesus just like everyone else. Don’t be afraid to display this in your life and ministry; (7.) It is vital for the pastor to surround himself not with yes-men, but instead, with men who will lovingly challenge him in his walk with Christ; (8.) Pastoring is never less than preaching and teaching the Word. It’s always more than this. Shepherding entails deep relationships of love and trust. If you’re not cultivating these relationships, you’re not really pastoring; (9.) Pastors must be the lead disciple-makers in the church; (10.) Developing leaders is one of the most important responsibilities God has given pastors; and (12.) In leadership, you must not measure growth in weeks and months, but years and decades.

Sometimes it IS tough being a pastor. But, one day when I get to heaven and see the many people that God allowed me to have a small part in their lives, I believe I will be able to say, “It was worth it all!”

Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.”

Shady Grove to host concert August 13

Shady Grove Baptist Church, 3240 Tryon Courthouse Rd., Cherryville, asks folks to come join them for a concert with Debra Perry and Jaidyn’s Call on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. A Love Offering will be received then. For more information call (704) 435-9605.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5 pray.

Anthony Grove Baptist Church 100 Anthony Grove Road Crouse, NC 704-435-6001

Bess Chapel United Methodist Church 6073 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-7969

Bethlehem United Methodist Church 6753 NC 182 Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-1608

Blessed Hope Baptist Church 3357 Fallston-Waco Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-8530

Body of Christ Fellowship Center 405 S. Cherokee Street Cherryville, NC www.bodyofchrist7.com

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street Cherryville, NC Pastor Clifton Morgan Cherryville Church of God 810 East Main Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-2275

Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church 318 W. Ballard Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6934

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1155 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5764

Fairview Baptist Church 415 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-4299

First Baptist Church 301 East 1st Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3796

First Church of the Nazarene 301 North Elm Street Cherryville, NC 828-838-2428

First Presbyterian Church 107 West Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6064

First United Methodist Church 601 N. Pink St. Cherryville, NC 704-435-6732

First Wesleyan Church 800 North Pink Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6069

Free Saints Chapel Church 813 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-0949

Gospel Way Baptist Church 3904 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Cherryville, NC 866-356-3219

Legacy Church 805 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-457-9615

Living Word Ministries 306 East Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3213

Marys Grove United Methodist Church 1223 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5544

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 235 A.W. Black Street Waco, NC 704-435-8842

Mt. Zion Baptist Church 112 Mt. Zion Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9636

North Brook Baptist Church 7421 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4471

Oak Grove AME Zion Church 542 Flint Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3687

Oak Grove Baptist Church 219 Tot Dellinger Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3053

Revival Tabernacle 1104 Delview Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4073

Rudisill Chapel AME Zion Church 417 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-5621

Second Baptist Church 201 Houser Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9657

Shady Grove Baptist Church 3240 Tryon Courthouse Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9605

St. John’s