Occasionally, I will meet somebody who used to be a pastor, evangelist or missionary. The key phrase is, “USED TO BE”! Recognizing the fact that anybody who serves God can end up OUT of God’s will and ministry, we should take great care not to end up a casualty. We should do our best not to forsake the path and quit on God. After all, Jesus did not quit when carrying His cross!The following 9 points(*) are from veteran missionary Robert Smith. He has worked in the country of Brazil for over 29 years with Macedonia World Baptist Missions. These thoughts are from a lesson he uses when teaching on the subject, “Why Missionaries Quit”. Whether you are a missionary or not, you can apply Dr. Smith’s thoughts to your situation! I hope this post will not only help missionaries, but many pastors and evangelists!
- BURN OUT* – over extending yourself to the point of exhaustion and spiritual emptiness. RPM = Recklessly Pursuing Ministries
- BLOW OUT* – one major incident or experience that causes you to leave the field. Ex. robbery, death, assault, terrorism, etc.
- STRESSED OUT* – drained emotionally through pressure points; competing with other missionaries (pastors, evangelists).
- FLAME OUT* – out of ideas; out of lessons; out of messages…
- SHOCKED OUT* – letting differences affect you: culture shock; missionary shock…
- SCARED OUT* – fear accompanied by little or no faith. Don’t be afraid of fear, but there is a problem when you have fear with no faith.
- FAKED OUT* – leaving, thinking it was the will of God.
- THROWN OUT* – leaving the country by being kicked out by the government.
- PULLED OUT* – being brought out of the country at the request of your pastor or by the mission board. (immorality, immodesty, etc.)
Though good, solid and qualified men have started out well, many do not finish well. May each of us who claim God’s calling endeavor to be like the Apostle Paul… “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”. Please share this post with your preacher friends!
Would you consider purchasing…
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Abide in Christ |
By Andrew Murray / Whitaker House Publishers
Instead of accepting the invitation to enter God’s throne room, many Christians stand alone outside the door, uncertain and ashamed. Christ beckons them to His banqueting table and offers them a room in His house, but they foolishly give up the glory of the life He has offered. They come to Jesus as Redeemer but never go beyond the doorway to abide in Him and experience the unspeakable joy of dwelling with the King of Kings. Andrew Murray knew what it meant to be continually in the Father’s presence. Read these thirty-one heart-searching readings and learn how to live daily in closer communion and fellowship with Him. Accept God’s invitation and live in His blessing and glory instead of shuffling your feet at the gate.
