Below are some thoughts from Dr. Tony Campolo.
“I don’t know how your theology works, but if Jesus has a choice between stained glass windows and feeding starving kids in Haiti, I have a feeling he’d choose the starving kids in Haiti.” ~ Tony Campolo
“He saved us in order that He might begin to transform His world into the kind of world that He willed for it to be when He created it. … When Jesus saved us, He saved us to be agents of a great revolution, the end of which will come when the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our God” ~ Tony Campolo
“In baptism, new Christians become part of a body of fellow believers who are called to spiritually encourage one another and hold one another responsible for consistent Christian living.” ~ Tony Campolo *
A common theme in these quotes is challenging commitment.
The work of Ministry will always challenge us to be committed followers of Jesus Christ. That commitment will always lead us to be involved in other people’s lives. The purpose is so that the Lordship of Christ Jesus might be shared and that lives can be changed to the Glory of God. Our beloved founder of Lay Pastors Ministry was Dr. Melvin J. Steinbron. The Lord gave him a vision for equipping the laity to provide consistent and biblically grounded pastoral care. Dr. Steinbron believed passionately in the hearts and minds of the laity to being Christ to the nations.
I believe that those who read these words join with Dr. Steinbron in the hope and ongoing ministry to train the laity so that the Message of Salvation can be shared with generations to come. I want to encourage each person to continue to study, pray and seek the Lord’s guidance, His gift of discernment and strong belief in the Lord who said:
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
In his foundational book Can The Pastor Do It Alone? Dr. Steinbron included a quote that I want to share with you.
Thomas Gillespie wrote:
Pastoring will be realized only if the non-clergy are willing to MOVE UP, the clergy are willing to MOVE OVER, and if all of God’s people are willing to MOVE OUT! (pg. 60, Can The Pastor Do It Alone?)
I encourage each of you to continue to prepare for a ministry that will bring meaning, joy, challenges, and purpose to your life. In doing so you will bring honor and glory to Jesus our Lord and Savior! Amen.
Pastor Tom Corbell
former President of Lay Pastors Ministry INC. USA
*https://www.azquotes.com/author/2397-Tony_Campolo#google_vignettetics
