Hey, guess what? I'm scared out of my wits (or half-wits, as some may say.)
The pastor of the tiny little church I have attended since before some of you were born also teaches the adult Sunday School class, as my dad used to do for years when he was the pastor. Our pastor recently expressed his desire to see someone else take the reins of the adult class, even if only on a temporary basis. I think you can figure out where this post is going. He spoke to me and told me that when he made that statement, that I was the one God had laid on his heart in particular. That really floored me. I guess a lot of it has to do with self-doubt, a character trait I unfortunately possess in spades. I don't have a lot of faith in my ability to teach, or to be any kind of leader in general. I actually had to laugh as I wrote that last sentence just now, because another person popped into my mind who felt the same kind of self-doubt when called upon. The man's name was Moses, and as I recall, he got the hang of it. Now I lay no claim to being anywhere near the man Moses was, but I know two things. One, and this is the one I'm most thankful for, is that I'm not being asked to lead an entire nation, defy the most powerful ruler in the world of the day, and write a handful of books for the Bible. The other is that God can do all things, and He can use anything or anyone He chooses to do so. I had the same kind of paralyzing fear years ago when I reluctantly accepted the role of song leader. I've been in that position for 14 years now, and its still an intimidating thing for me to get in front of the congregation and call attention to my own singing voice. But it hasn't killed me yet. If this is what God would have me to do, then He will make me able where I on my own am not. I told the pastor Sunday that I would accept, if he still felt the same. Please remember me in your prayers, that I'll let God use me in this new role, not that anyone would recognize me or see me for anything I'm not, but that in some way He would be honored and glorified.
Comments (13)
well, instead of being like moses, u could get swallowed by a fish until u agree to teach the class.
i got over the ugly thing around senior year, although it still bothers me occasionally. and the ex boyfriend thing.......the last girl i dated dumped me b/c she wasnt over him and she hid a lot of stuff about him from me until the end. so im weary of it.
@Twizz714 - Yeah, I went out with a girl one time who was never really over the last guy she dated. That wasn't the only reason we ended up calling things off, but it was part of it. That kind of thing can wear on you.
A properly functioning body should have the pastor doing less jobs all the time, as the saints are equipped and become part of the functioning body of Christ, that can continue to function when he goes on vacation or whatever.
We do a disservice to the body when all people are not bringing their gift to the body.
@ProvokingThought - Agreed, and I'm thankful to be called upon. I'm just mortified as well, so this is going to be an interesting experience, to say the least.
I've been preaching for quite a few years now. I LOVE it, and I'm comfortable in it now, but I have to say, it didn't start out that way. It's kind of like anything else... the more you do it the easier it gets and the better you get at it (the speaking part that is. Obviously the anointing, God, is not getting better, but your abilities grow.)
I don't remember how long it took to get past it. I still get a little nervous when I am about to go up on the platform, but once I get started it's great.
Singing? No WAY I see myself being able to do that in front of people! LOL!
@steadfastmom - I'm not exactly sure why people want to hear me sing either
I can relate. I recently came back to work at my church as the intern worship leader. I had to leave last year because of a decision I made, but now I'm back.
I've often thought the same thing about my voice, the "scared out of my wits" part, and about the mortification of leading in a ministry. At first it seems like you're not only sailing out of your league, but in a boat without a paddle as well. However, I know this is the life god wants for me. It's the leading part that's scary. With God's help, the encouragement of my church family, hard work, and trust in the One who called me, I have faith that He'll use me to bring glory to His name.
You're definitely in my prayers.
:) I think that I'll just say that I'm going to pray for you.
@baronmax02 - Thank you for the prayers. Yeah, that's pretty well the way I feel. Not only out of my league, but maybe not even in the same sport
. But it's not about me anyway (thank goodness).
@shanella - That's plenty, it's the best thing I could have heard
May the Lord give you strength...
@ccarothers - Thank you
I think the Lord will guide you and give you strength in every capacity. When you are lost and don't know where to even begin, just look to Him and He'll lead you the right way. Let us know how everything goes.
@GiggLes9@xanga - Will do. It'll be a few weeks before I take up this new responsibility, but I'll let y'all know how things go, esp. if I goof anything up in some comical way