Larry Lilly
8-15-12
Dr. O.S. Hawkins former Pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas tells of when as an aspiring pastor he stopped to talk with Pastor W. Fred Swank. He poured his soul out to the pastor. Pastor Swank looked up and said, "Son, you be faithful over little things and God will make you ruler of greater things. Now, go on your way and close the door when you leave."
Acolyte Hawkins left in a rage, but along his route he stopped and scheduled himself to preach in a nursing home and also a jail. He was not crushed by his pastor's brusqueness as would have been many. He was tough enough on the inside to take this seeming tough treatment.
I think we need more Pastors and advisers along the line of Dr. W. Fred Swank as it would keep some the descendants of Dr. I.M. Crushed doing whatever else they do instead of spending a career majoring on "My feelings are hurt."
Ministry is more often a journey of ridicule, having stones thrown at you, disappointing treatment from those you helped and love and Judas Iscariot experiences along the way. Far too many clergy are "opt in" ministers rather than "Called of God" cross bearers and the dropout rate proves this shameful statistic.
I recall during my public crucifixion Dr. Phil Stringer reminded me that a Resurrection follows crucifixion.
Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen:
Copyright © 2012 Larry Lilly
Dr. O.S. Hawkins former Pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas tells of when as an aspiring pastor he stopped to talk with Pastor W. Fred Swank. He poured his soul out to the pastor. Pastor Swank looked up and said, "Son, you be faithful over little things and God will make you ruler of greater things. Now, go on your way and close the door when you leave."
Acolyte Hawkins left in a rage, but along his route he stopped and scheduled himself to preach in a nursing home and also a jail. He was not crushed by his pastor's brusqueness as would have been many. He was tough enough on the inside to take this seeming tough treatment.
I think we need more Pastors and advisers along the line of Dr. W. Fred Swank as it would keep some the descendants of Dr. I.M. Crushed doing whatever else they do instead of spending a career majoring on "My feelings are hurt."
Ministry is more often a journey of ridicule, having stones thrown at you, disappointing treatment from those you helped and love and Judas Iscariot experiences along the way. Far too many clergy are "opt in" ministers rather than "Called of God" cross bearers and the dropout rate proves this shameful statistic.
I recall during my public crucifixion Dr. Phil Stringer reminded me that a Resurrection follows crucifixion.
Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen:
Copyright © 2012 Larry Lilly
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