The pastor’s calling

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we begin a new year, I want to focus on the calling that is shared by pastors. As shown below, many people have no idea what pastors do. And it’s not unusual for pastors to feel inadequate in their role. I’ve felt that way too, as apparently did Paul in asking, “who is equal to such a task?” He then noted (speaking of himself as a vessel) that, “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 2:16, 4:7). Despite the times of doubt that pastors sometimes face, they find reassurance in remembering that God has called them and that they have his anointing to serve him in this way—an anointing confirmed by their ordination.

pastor cartoon — Copyright © 1994 Mary Chambers and Christianity Today International. Used by permission.

I am pleased that our elders approach their calling to pastoral ministry with humility and faith—an attitude refreshingly different than the one displayed by the guy in the cartoon at right. Sadly, some people become pastors to “do their own thing.” But Paul tells us that pastors, along with other ordained ministers are called “to equip God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13, TNIV).

All Christians are called to share in the ministry of Jesus, through what Paul refers to here as “works of service.” Ordained ministers, including pastors, are called to serve by equipping and then leading God’s people in these works.

To be called by God to serve as a pastor is a privilege, blessing and responsibility. It’s a calling that comes to different people in different ways—sometimes quietly, over a long period of time; at other times dramatically and suddenly—like Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:12-14).

I have been asked, “How do I know ‘for sure’ that I am called to be a pastor?” The hard answer is that you will know “for sure” only in your spirit and through the confirmation of those you serve. We walk by faith, not by sight and the opportunity to serve God is unlike any other life endeavor. The center of that service involves feeding others through sharing with them the Living and Written Word of God. The aim of that service flows out of a desire that others come to know God through Jesus Christ and put their trust in him alone for life now and eternally.

Signs that point to such a calling are love for studying and communicating the Word of God, desire to pray with and for people, desire to enable people to come to God in worship, and desire to help people become a fellowship of those gathered in the Holy Spirit around the Word of God both Written and Living.

Pastoral service brings with it the power of God moving through us in humility. And though that brings us joy, it can also bring disappointment. None of us are perfect and neither are the ones we interact with in ministry. And sometimes God’s leading is simply mysterious, beyond our comprehension.

Whether we are rich or poor, learned or uneducated, or anywhere in between, God has a job for us and he calls us to it. We must not confuse the form of that call with the substance of it. Since God is invisible, it is his nature to call us by dropping hints. Many have told me that they eventually realized that God was dropping such hints in their life for years, though they did not notice them right away. We humans can be rather dense at times. But when we look back on our lives and pray about God’s will, the little hints he has placed in our lives are recognized as our call to pastoral ministry.

There are numerous ways we experience such affirmation. You might feel that you have fallen into this role because no one else was stepping up. But this may be a sign that God wants you to join others in his service. Some of us have been serving in pastoral ministry for a number of years without perhaps even recognizing it ourselves. But others have seen the fruits of your service, and this could be God’s affirmation. If you have been asked by others to serve in a pastoral leadership role then this leadership activity may also be a call on your heart to serve.

Pastoral ministry, regardless of the specific area of service, is extremely challenging. The stress level can be significant, rated by some to be second only to medical doctors. To function properly as a pastor requires that we resist the pull of our fallen human nature and maintain humility before God. We are all called to be his servant, using the gifts he has given us to direct others to him. As we let our Lord serve us, we must then grow in our ability to shepherd and serve others. For that reason, GCI in the United States requires that its senior pastors participate in the Pastoral Continuing Education Program.

Some pastors fulfill the continuing education requirement by pursuing a master’s degree at Grace Communion Seminary. Because it is accredited, not all pastors are eligible to enter GCS.

Accreditation is vital for the future of our denomination, as we seek to help more and more of our pastors meet high professional standards, including advanced education. Also, earning a GCS degree takes considerable time, finances and other resources. If you are able to pursue a degree at GCS, or simply want to take a few classes there, I urge you to do so. Registration for the upcoming spring semester is now open—see details in the “GCS registration now open” article linked at left.

Because many of our pastors cannot pursue a GCS degree, we offer other continuing education options, including classes at Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (http://www.ambascol.org/). Also, I’m pleased to announce that GCS now offers several non-credit classes that are available online to anyone at no cost. You’ll find them at http://www.gcs.edu/course/view.php?id=32.

Let me once again say thank you for the good work that you do. It is a wonderful encouragement to me to know you, fellowship with you, hear your stories and see what God is doing through us together.

Sincerely, in Christ’s service,

Joseph Tkach

P.S. The first edition of the new online Christian Odyssey magazine in now posted at christianodyssey.org. Electronic publishing is the next step for magazines, as the cost of printing and mailing continues to increase. However, we understand that transitioning from a printed magazine to an online format presents challenges. Therefore, we would appreciate your feedback. For example:

Is the new site easy to navigate?
Is it clear how those who prefer a printed copy can obtain one?
Has anyone from your congregation asked you to provide them a printed copy?

We continue to make updates and changes to the Christian Odyssey site on a regular basis and look forward to adding new features soon. Please email john.halford@gci.org with any ideas, thoughts or comments that will help us make this transition as positive and effective as possible.

Mark Queener

Before becoming a part of WCG/GCI, Mark Queener was an on-air radio and television personality. “I worked in radio as a sports anchor, disc jockey, newscaster, announcer and play-by-play sportscaster. In television, I was a news and sports reporter and a sports anchor.”

Mark, who now pastors the GCI church in Belleville, Illinois, has been married to his wife Rhonda (Staples) for 36 years. They have two sons, Scott (Cindie) and Brian (separated), and four granddaughters: Hannah, Sophie, Reagan and Brielle. All of the above attend the Belleville church. Mark mentions that having four granddaughters is notable in the Queener family: “My parents had three sons and no daughters. My wife and I had two sons and no daughters. Now, our two sons have nothing but daughters. My wife and my mother, finally, got their girls! (and the Queener men seem pretty happy about it, too).”

Mark grew up in Mascoutah, Illinois, but loved spending his summers at his aunt’s home in the hills of eastern Tennessee. “There was no indoor plumbing. But using the outhouse and taking a bath in a washtub were all part of the adventure, as my cousins, their friends, my brothers and I hiked all over the mountains, armed with BB guns and fishing poles.” As an older teen, Mark toured the country as a member of the Belleville Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, one of the top-ten horn lines in the country.

Mark enlisted in the army at age 20 and spent six years in active duty in Korea, Texas, Massachusetts and Germany. “After spending about 10 years of my adult life away from Mascoutah, I decided to return there in the summer of 1985. I’ve lived there ever since. I spent a couple of years as an administrator at a local community college. But I’ve worked for the Department of the Air Force at nearby Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, since July 1989.”

In the early 80s, while working on his bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Mark picked up a copy of The Plain Truth at a supermarket. “I subscribed to the magazine, ordered all the free literature I could get, and began to watch The World Tomorrow program on television. After I graduated from college, I took a job in Joplin, Missouri, where I attended a Plain Truth Bible lecture. I started attending Worldwide Church of God worship services and Bible studies in spring 1985, as part of the Joplin, Missouri congregation. Within a couple of months, I moved to the Belleville, Illinois church area and was baptized there in December of that same year.”

In the mid 90s Mark completed a survey WCG leaders were using to determine who might be interested in, and qualified for, pastoral ministry training. “I was ordained an elder in March 1996. Belleville pastor Jim Stokes and our district superintendent, Bob Taylor began training me in pastoral ministry for the next several years. Eventually, they discussed with me and confirmed with the congregation a plan to have me succeed Mr. Stokes as senior pastor when he retired. I became the assistant pastor of the Belleville church in September 2001 and its senior pastor in July 2004.”

When asked about mentors, Mark mentioned two people. “My district pastor, Karl Reinagel, is a great encourager and friend. I learn a lot from his example, just watching how he handles different issues and situations. But, perhaps, the person who has had the most influence on me in ministry is Jim Stokes. He groomed me to be his successor as a senior pastor. One of the ways he did that was by decreasing his role and allowing mine to increase. However, above and beyond sharing everything he could from his ministerial training and experience, he also poured his life lessons into me as a good father does with a willing son. Thanks a million, Pastor Pops!”

Mark enjoys being a pastor. “I really enjoy teaching others as I have been taught, especially when it leads to discussions about what God is doing and how he’s working in people’s lives. It’s very rewarding and encouraging to watch and hear people go deeper in their understanding of God and what he’s done and is doing for all people.” This fits right in with Mark’s passion: “I love to see people excited about Jesus – who he is, what he’s doing and how much he loves them. When God involves me in any part of that, even if it’s just to be a witness to it, I feel super blessed.”

Mark’s most memorable moment as a pastor came following a funeral he had preached for a woman in his congregation. “The woman’s niece gave me a tear-filled hug and told me what a comfort I had been to her throughout the entire process of her aunt’s death, visitation and funeral. I didn’t know the niece well and didn’t remember saying all that much to her personally. It was a tremendous lesson about how Jesus already was there, doing his work to comfort people in their grief. That was many years ago, but the convicting power of that experience still resonates deeply in me today.”

What Mark enjoys most about being part of GCI is that “our denomination seems committed to training and equipping us to be ready to participate with Jesus in whatever he’s doing and wherever he’s doing it. Also, our connectedness builds great camaraderie and positions us to work well together and to respond quickly to different situations across the country and around the world. And it’s exciting, as we embrace Trinitarian theology, to know that the gospel is such great good news for everyone!”

Mark says he feels closest to God in different ways. “I really connect with God through songs of praise to him, be it contemporary music or traditional hymns. And being outdoors in his creation really does it for me, too. But I also have to mention those times when one of my young granddaughters says something that reflects the mind of Christ. It may be simple, but it’s often wise enough to stop the rest of us in our tracks and marvel at what God has put in her heart above and beyond what she may have learned from someone else.”

Christmas in Staten Island

This update is from Pastor Mary Bacheller concerning Hands for Christ Community Church–a GCI church plant in Staten Island, New York.

Pastor Mary Bacheller with children at Sunday Christmas service

These are exciting times! With our first Sunday Christmas Service and Christmas Eve service behind us, we are at peace and happy.

It was so meaningful for those who attended, as they participated for the first time in Christmas worship services conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL). We had 24 adults and six children in attendance for the Sunday service. Deaf members actively participated. The kids signed the song “Happy Birthday, Jesus” and made gifts, drawings and notes to present to Jesus.

We also had a candlelight Christmas service combined with The Church That Never Closes–the congregation we share our building with. The sanctuary was decorated as a stable, and the service included an enactment of the journey to Bethlehem. Half of the actors were from our church and half from the other. Pastors Aldolf Pagliarulo and Mary Bacheller served communion.

Hands for Christ Community Church is now in its fourth month and thriving. We have 41 registered members and eight children. Sometimes it’s a little frustrating because they don’t all come at the same time. However, I have learned to let God worry about the numbers and I just worry about sharing the gospel, and the love and friendship of Christ with those who come each week.

We have a regular Wednesday night Bible study. Attendance averages about 14 people. We enjoy the fellowship and the wonderful growth in understanding experienced by all.

When people leave our services, it is common to hear them refer to the peace that they have experienced through the Spirit’s touch, and to express their desire to return for more. God is truly in charge!

Christmas in Brisbane

This update is from GCI Australia pastor Bob Regazolli.

Ross Jutsum leads the children in worship

There was much excitement here at the GCI church in Brisbane, Australia. State of the Heart music minister Ross Jutsum led our Christmas service (Ross and his wife Tammy were in Australia to visit Ross’s family).

Ross provided a mixture of Christmas carols, a few songs of his own compositions, selected readings, a children’s section and a song in Swahili from members of our Congolese congregation. Ross’s daughter Lisa then spoke with us about her experiences as a missionary in the Congo. She also sang a song for us.

We had the highest attendance for a service here in about a decade – 154 people. I have never heard such positive comments from so many following one of our worship services. It was truly inspiring and wonderful to see so many joining in praises for our Savior and King.

Brisbane service — Congolese members sing

Religious polarization

This update is from Charles Fleming, GCI mission director in the Caribbean. He shares excerpts from “Welcome to Religious Polarization,” an article by Canadian author Reginald Bibby. The article discusses how we wrestle to find new expressions for the church in a changing world. You can read the full article at http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=10100.

The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life announced that “nones” [those with no religious affiliation] are “on the rise” and “growing at a rapid pace.” [Click here for the Pew Forum reports] Some 20 percent of Americans, including a third of adults under 30, “have no religious affiliation”….

The immediate interpretation… is that secularization, so familiar to Western Europe, Canada, and elsewhere, has caught up to the United States. Further, given that Millennials are the least affiliated generation in American history and unlikely to affiliate as they age, the “religious recession” is not about to end anytime soon.

No question—the percentage of Nones is up, but partly because of cultural inflation. These days, people who don’t belong and don’t believe can tell things the way they are…..

From the 1970s through the 1990s, we chalked things up to secularization… [however] I now am convinced that neither secularization nor revitalization theories accurately describe what is taking place in Canada and elsewhere, including the United States. Global data make it very clear that, in every society across the planet, religion persists—along with the inclination of some people to take a pass on religion.

Therefore, rather than speaking of one-way trends toward secularization or revitalization, it seems more accurate and helpful to view pro-religion and no-religion as the poles of a dynamic continuum. At any point in time, a society’s inclination to opt for one over the other will vary, depending on “pro-religion” and “no-religion” factors that are organizational and cultural in nature. But the proclivity to opt for religion will always co-exist with the proclivity to reject it, with noteworthy numbers of people occupying something of an ambivalent middle.

…In using the term [polarization], I am speaking simply of the inclination of populations to embrace religion versus reject it…. While some observers may be startled by the growth of Nones in the United States and see ongoing secularization as virtually inevitable, I am not among them. The reason is that so-called “American religious exceptionalism” is simply proving not to be so exceptional after all. Historically, the religious polarization continuum in the U.S. has been weighted heavily on the pro-religion side. Currently, there is some modest movement in the direction of the no religion side. Such balance between religion and no religion is universal.

But, as with elsewhere, the story is hardly final and we need to keep the camera running. The religion market is always “up for grabs.” Following [historian Rodney] Stark, the increase in the percentage of Nones means the opportunity exists for religious groups to increase their market shares. Apart from outcomes, there is little doubt we will see accelerated activity in the American religious marketplace.

An important word of caution: my research in Canada has been showing, that, at least to date, residence in the no religion category often tends to be short-lived. Many teenage Nones are looking to religious groups for rites of passage that may result in reaffiliation. Nones who marry “Somethings” frequently raise their children as “Somethings” and not uncommonly follow suit. Further, large numbers of adult and teenage Nones indicate they have not slammed the door on involvement that they deem to be worthwhile.

In Canada, the reality of religious polarization is a far cry from what was anticipated by theories of linear secularization. It is literally A New Day for religion, where market demand remains high, precisely at a time when growing numbers are rejecting religion. Changing demographics and varied market performances are contributing to a restructuring of players. But the inclinations to embrace religion and reject religion co-exist, with the balance always in dynamic flux. Such religious polarization, as I’ve been emphasizing, is found everywhere–even now, as the Pew Forum data remind us, in the United States.

A cause for pause? The inclination of Americans to opt for “pro-religion” or “no religion” will depend largely on how the nation’s religious groups collectively respond with life-enhancing ministry. The news of the rise in Religious Nones does not signal demise and doom for religion. On the contrary, it signals new opportunities, and the need for appropriate responses.

Brian Queener

Mark Queener, pastor of GCI’s Belleville, Illinois congregation and his wife Rhonda request our prayers:

Our youngest son, Brian is in critical condition in the hospital with severe pancreatitis with multiple complications. This is a life-threatening situation—the pancreas must recover from inflammation and his kidneys must start working again. He definitely needs God’s intervention. Thank you for your prayers.

Notes may be emailed to Mark and Rhonda at markqueener@charter.net.

Shirley Faulkner

The following prayer request is for Shirley and Dexter Faulkner. Dexter and Shirley are both retired, long-time GCI employees.

A few weeks ago Shirl had laser surgery on her tongue. Then on December 28 she had surgery to relieve severe arthritis in her neck. Following surgery she spent time in the ICU for monitoring. Now she is in the Glendale, California Adventist Hospital for rehab.

Your continued prayers for healing and mobility, and a complete and speedy recovery are deeply appreciated.

You can email Dexter at Dexter.faulkner@gci.org, or send cards to:

Shirley & Dexter Faulkner

7859 Wentworth St

Sunland, CA 91040-2201

Death of Grace Stokes

We are saddened to learn of the death of Grace Stokes, wife of retired GCI pastor Jim Stokes. Here is a note from Jim:

It is with mixed emotions that I am forced to tell you that after 64 years and five months of a very happy marriage, my beloved wife, Grace, has left me for someone else—Jesus Christ. Although I’ll miss her more than words can say, I know he will give her more joy, peace and happiness than I ever could. And after all, her happiness has been my life-long desire. I’m comforted knowing she will no longer face the devastating health problems she has had to endure lately.

She was affectionately known as Mom, Granny, Lady Grace, Gert and Amazin’ Gracie. Thanks to all of you who have brought so much love and joy into her life. I know we all will miss her sweet smile and loving ways.

She left this life on Wednesday, December 26.

Cards may be sent to Jim at this address:

James Stokes

5115 Beechmont Avenue

Sarasota, FL 34234-3054

Birth of Deddo’s grandson

Cathy Deddo with her newborn grandson Wesley

This prayer update is from Gary and Cathy Deddo. Gary is special assistant to GCI president, Joseph Tkach.

Thanks for the prayers and well wishes concerning the birth of our first grandchild. We’re pleased to announce that Wesley Edward Tanis was born on December 28 to our daughter Linda and her husband Liam.

Wesley was 9 lbs. 3 oz. and 21 and 1/2 inches at birth.

There were some initial problems, but baby and mother are now home, doing well. For that we praise God!

GCS registration now open

Registration for the spring semester at Grace Communion Seminary opens at 9 a.m. (Pacific time) on Wednesday, January 2 and continues through Sunday, January 13. You may register for one or more classes by going to http://www.gci.org/go/gcsspring13 and using your regular GCI online sign-in information. If you have any difficulties, please phone the GCS registrar at 800-851-2611.

Classes start on Monday, January 14, with the final lecture posting on Monday, March 18. Here are the courses being offered this coming semester:

TH01 Nature of God and Jesus Christ
BT02 Prophets
NT04 Epistles of Paul
CH01 Church History: The First Millennium
CM03 Christian Counseling
CM05 Women in Leadership
TM01 Theology of Ministry capstone course (proctored Summative Exam required before registering for this course)

For information about these courses, go to http://www.gcs.edu/ and click on Course Descriptions (under Programs of Study) in the column on the left side of the page. There you’ll find short descriptions of all courses with links to course syllabi that list required textbooks.

Note: In compliance with accreditation standards, a number of GCS courses now have a final exam that must be proctored. This may require the use of a camera connected to your computer (for further information, please see pages 16-20 of the Student Handbook, accessible from the GCS website homepage).

Converge: GenMin summit

The annual summit of Generations Ministries is now known as Converge. This gathering has always been a highlight for attendees. It brings together GenMin camp and mission event directors, camp leadership teams, GCI youth and children’s workers, pastors and emerging young leaders.

This year, Converge will be held in two locations: California and Ohio.

Converge West will be held in Montebello, California on February 1-3, 2013 at the DePaul Evangelization Center. Special guest will be Jeff McSwain, director of Reality Ministries. Registration for Converge West is open at www.gci.org/go/convergewest. There are two pricing options: $150/person (includes registration, two nights lodging and all meals); or $55/person (includes registration, 2 meals on Saturday with no overnight lodging). Mark and Anne Stapleton are the Converge West coordinators—you can reach them with any questions at convergewest@gmail.com.
Converge East will be held in Marengo, Ohio on April 12-14, 2013. Jeff Broadnax is the coordinator. Additional information and online registration will be coming soon.