Before I was called into ministry, I was the Director of the Women’s Ministry in my church. In our meeting one night, a woman told me everything I “should” be doing. Most of it, I did not understand because of the words she used.
It seems, for me at least, my first line of defense when someone makes me feel “less than” is to put up a wall around myself. Anyone else?
After the meeting, another member came up to me and apologized for the other woman’s “way of explaining,” but that she had some great ideas. I told her to go talk to the lady and then come talk to me in a way I can understand. Big city words do not always work on little country girls.
In 2002, Jesus called me out to be in full-time ministry. I never felt called to go to seminary. I was more like Peter—called out of the boat to bring others to know Jesus.
This world does not work that way, though, and eventually, I had to attend classes. Most of all I never really understood. I think seminary classes are great, but the truth is, there is a huge adjustment you have to make between being an academic and being a pastor for the people.
Fast forward 8 years. Jesus calls me out again from the main denomination to do a church plant. What He laid on my spirit was He wanted a church that showed what a “relationship” with Him looked like.
I did the “Moses dance.” You know the one, “Why me, Lord? I am slow of speech (country girl). I don’t speak big words of theology or shake the Bible. I can’t pull Scripture out of my head like a finger snap. I am better as an associate. I don’t know what to do.”
Spirit to spirit, Jesus said, “Just tell the story.”
For the next 14 years, that was what I did. The church was built and is still going today. I retired 5 years ago, but I still speak at many women’s events and serve as the Spiritual Director for the Houston North Emmaus Community.
Like Moses, I remove my shoes when I am in the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am known as the “barefoot pastor,” and to this day, I still “just tell the story.”
Have you ever attended a service, listened to the sermon, and walked out wondering, “What did any of that mean? I could not understand anything he/she said.”
I am sure none of us here, at this time, say that. Pastor Randy is an exceptional preacher who gives all of us many things to talk about, and he strives to live it out.
In my barefoot pastor speaking, can I reach everyone? No. But can I reach someone?
I think more people relate and draw closer to Jesus through the simple understanding of the heart of Jesus, rather than big, long, drawn-out words like theology or piety.
I used to shudder when I would hear those words. They are such big words. But in reality, it has such a simple meaning.
Theology – the study of God.
Piety – to have a strong belief in God and show it by your worship and behavior.
I want to close with the story of Jesus being so misunderstood in John 6. Because of these words Jesus spoke, so many of His followers left Him.
John 6:53-56, 66 (NIV)
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them…” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
Praise God for being on this side of the resurrection and knowing Jesus meant He would be leaving behind Holy Communion as a way of becoming one with Him.
There are thousands of ways to connect with speakers (podcasts, conferences, online programs) for Jesus. Find one that speaks to your heart. If you hear words you don’t understand, ask Pastor Randy or one of our church leaders.
I now love theology, but you still won’t hear me say, “Let’s go study Theology.” Country folk to country folk, let’s go study about God.
Remember: if you’re leading, and no one is following, you’re just a walker.
Love to all,
RevDeb
