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El llamado... The call...

11/22/2016

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¿Pastor o misionero? 

¿Conque hay alguna diferencia?

Acepté este llamado al ministerio pensando que era el mismo que Dios extendía a todos. Cuarenta y tantos años después, aun no me convenzo de que el mío haya sido distinto en su naturaleza y finalidad que el de los demás.

Aparte de aprender otro idioma y adaptarme a una cultura distinta, el llamado no cambió por cruzar una frontera artificial. La Gran Comisión (Mat 28:19-20) hace caso omiso de las alteraciones fronterizas que hagamos los hombres a nuestras mapas.

El llamado es a los que poblamos el reino de Dios en la tierra. Es el mismo de siempre y es para todos. Parte esencial se expresa aquí: "Lo que has oído de mí ante muchos testigos, esto encarga a hombres fieles que sean idóneos para enseñar también a otros."  (2Tim 2:1-2)

¿De dónde viene el parecer de algunos que el pastorado consiste en conseguir el puesto, abrocharse el cinturón y no soltarlo hasta que ya no puedan o hasta que venga una mejor propuesta? Ni inician ni finalizan como conviene. Defienden y protegen para sí… al grado de sofocar la iniciativa y el entusiasmo en los más jóvenes… hasta percibiéndolos como amenaza a la estabilidad de su propia chamba.

Trabajamos con el fin de que no hagamos falta cuando sea el tiempo.

Capacitar, delegar y encargar es el reto y el deber detrás de lo que hacemos. Soltar las riendas del poder y disfrutar vicariamente las bendiciones en la obra es parte de la responsabilidad recibida en nuestro llamado. Lejos de dejar mal sabor en la boca, nos enriquece ver a otros haciendo lo que ya no podemos o debemos hacer… y haciendolo mejor que nosotros.

Vuelven a invadir mi mente estos pensamientos después de un domingo de bendiciones...
  • tiempo edificante de alabanzas
  • una presentación para invitar a estudiantes nuevos al seminario
  • mensaje de la Palabra que acertó
  • testimonios de varios adultos de cómo llegaron a conocer a Cristo
  • sus bautismos
  • comida y dulce convivencia
  • todos gozosos y agradecidos con Dios.

Y yo no hice más que tomar unas fotos.

"¿cuál es nuestra esperanza, o gozo, o corona de que me gloríe? ¿No lo sois vosotros, delante de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, en su venida? Vosotros sois nuestra gloria y gozo."  (1Tes 2:19-20)

Pastor or missionary? 

You mean, like… there’s a difference?

I accepted this call to the ministry thinking that it was the same one that God extended to all. Forty-some years later, I am still not convinced that mine is any different in nature and purpose than that of others.

Other than learning another language and adapting to a different culture, the call did not change because I crossed an artificial border. The Great Commission (Mat 28:19-20) is oblivious to the constant changes that we make to our maps.

The call is to all of us who populate the kingdom of God on Earth. It is the same as always and it is for all. An essential part of it is expressed here: "what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."  (2Tim 2:1-2)

From whence, then, the idea that a pastorate consists of obtaining a position, buckling in and not letting go until you can't hang on or until a better proposition comes along? Some neither initiate nor finalize in a convenient manner. They defend and protect for themselves… to the point of smothering the  initiative and enthusiasm in younger people… even seeing them as a threat to their own job security.

We work so that we will not be missed when the time comes.

Training, delegating and putting others in charge is the challenge and the duty behind what we do. Letting go of the reins of power and vicariously enjoying the blessings in the work is part of the responsibility received in our call. Far from leaving a bad taste in the mouth, it enriches us to watch others do what we no longer can or should be doing… and doing it better than we did.

These thoughts crowded in again after a full and blessed Sunday…
  • an edifying time of praise
  • a presentation from our seminary to invite new students
  • a message from the Word that hit the mark
  • testimonies from several adults about how they came to Christ
  • their baptisms
  • food and sweet fellowship
  • everyone joyful and thankful to God.

And all I did was take some pictures.

"For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy."  (1Thes 2:19-20)

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    Greg Smith

    Greg grew up in Menomonee Falls, WI. His ministry began in 1976: 5 years in Central America, 36 in Mexico. His passion is church planting and discipleship.
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    Greg enjoys being married to Carol Ahola-Smith. Both have been missionaries (Japan and Mexico); both watched their first spouses precede them in death.
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    Together, they have a heart for writing, mentoring and teaching.  They enjoy long walks and good coffee.

    CAROL'S BLOG
    LIVINGTHEJOY.NET

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