Man's Ways, God's Work

Yesterday afternoon, some of the members of my church attended the classical examination of our associate pastor. A classical exam is an oral interview before the area denominational body of pastors and select elders. It's a big deal. At least for the guy who is in the hot seat. It's also a big deal for the members of the classical body. This exercise is the way this brandname of churches assures that the ministers of the Word it employs have adequate knowledge in the Word, that they are sincere in their calling to minister to God's people and the lost and that they are led by God's spirit. The body examined two men yesterday. A new associate in a church in De Motte and our Bryan. The other guy was first. His interview was LONG. He was so articulate it was a joy to hear him. I wondered. Could Bryan match the first guy's knowledge and understanding? The body accepted the first man with joy and gratitude and then broke for refreshments. After that, it was Bryan's turn. Those of our church that were present gathered around him in hands held in unison and asked for God to bless him with recall and the ability to let the Spirit of God reveal Himself through Bryan. One could tell Bryan was nervous. As he sat on the platform in his navy blue suit, his feet danced his knees this way and that. Our church members are so confident in this young man. He has shown us the real follower of Jesus that he is. The interview started slowly as most do. The examiner told a few jokes to set a relaxed mood. Bryan took off and never looked back. His heart for God and for people came crashing through what is a human requirement. If one could be proud of our pastor, we truly were. He proved to man what he didn't have to prove to God. God already knows Bryan's heart. Bryan has not gone to seminary but he has taken a course that was required to get this license. At the end of the interview, the chairman of the group who is himself an older pastor asked Bryan how this license would help him. Bryan wisely told the man that it wouldn't change his ministry much at all. The inquiring pastor asked then what the point was. Bryan told him that some of those to whom he ministers may feel he is more qualified now that he has taken this exam. The traditional preacher walked to Bryan sitting in his chair and said, "You are not second rate. You have the same authority that anyone else here has. Walk in that authority!" He went on to tell him that Bryan as God's servant now has a front row seat to see God at work. One of the preachers in the audience asked if he could speak. Permission granted. He told how much he wished that this examination was giving Bryan full participation as a minister of the gospel in our denomination. You see, Bryan is a family man who worked as a officer in the prisons of California. He had a big job and made a lot more money than he does now. He felt God's call to work full time as a minister of the gospel. His pastor affirmed his leadership gifts and encouraged him. Bryan left his life there and took the call to be our associate pastor. He has been with us two years. We feel wrapped in Jesus' love by his ministry. I pray Bryan will be able to continue his seminary education part time so that his credentials will be complete. He is truly a man of God who exudes the love of Christ. The audience errupted with applause when it was announced that Bryan had passed the exam with flying colors. I praise God for two young men who will walk into the minefield of today's ministry. God bless both of them with His power and strength.