Billy Graham's latest book entitled, Nearing Home--Life, Faith and Finishing Well, has so much to say about growing older and how to face the golden years of one's life. However, his writings deals with many issues we all face during the course of our lives that is so important to think about.
On page 165 of his book, Billy Graham writes, "God designs transitions and provides the grace to embrace what follows."
That statement grabbed my attention. Why? Today, December 15, 2011, I have become 79 years old. It's my birthday. In October 2012, I will step aside from my public ministry as the Director/Endorser of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC after almost 15 years of service.
I am planning for a smooth transition, one that I hope will be seamless as I pass the baton of leadership to my successor, Chaplain (Colonel) Jerry L. Jones, Garrison Chaplain at Fort Sill, OK. My chairman, Bishop Chris Thompson and I have have been working on this transition for almost two years. There is no doubt about it, Jerry Jones is the man, the right man, at the right time to become our new director/endorser. He has the spiritual gifts and natural talents to do an outstanding job, and with the help of Almighty God, Chaplain Jones will take this ministry to the next higher level.
It was John the Baptist who declared, the "God in heaven appoints each man's work" (John 3:27, TLB). That is an astounding statement that is sobering and thought provoking for every person. John was appointed from before his birth to be the prophet who would prepare the way for the Messiah, to announce Him as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world, and who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. At His baptism God, the Father, spoke and said, "This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."
God has a purpose and plan for every life. He has a plan for your life. And you can come to know that plan as you yield and submit your life to Jesus Christ. He will reveal His plan through His Word and you will know in your heart that this is what you are to do in life.
Today, many men and women are being called into full time Christian ministry after having a fruitful and successful career. Could it be that God is using the current economic downturn to get men and women willing to finally obey Him?
One of my friends and counselors is Bishop Leon O. Stewart, a former General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He has been encouraging me for many years. It was he who appointed me my first church to pastor in the Alabama Conference (now called Alpha Conference) the year I graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. It was a rural church with great possibilities. That is what he told me, and he was right. I can tell you if it is God's Will and you obey the Lord, preach His Word in the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, and work hard any church no matter where it is located can and will grow. The Brownville Pentecostal Holiness Church near Evergreen, AL, in Conecuh grew and was blessed by God. I saw it happen and experienced many spiritual blessings and benefits.
I have said all of this to tell you what Bishop Stewart wrote me this week wishing me a happy birthday and then, he dropped this powerful statement on me:
"Al McGuire, basketball coach at Marquette, a few years ago resigned at the peak of his coaching career and became the vice president of a large corporation. Sports reporters quizzed him about the move. He said, 'I cannot believe God would make a man for only one career, but it takes courage to move from one career to another one.' Leon went on to say, 'Hugh, you have that courage and ability.'"
Wow, what a good word in due season for me that bolstered my spirit, and put zeal and determination in me to make the transition with God's grace that He will provide.
What will I do when I retire from public ministry in the IPHC (note: I am not retiring from being the editor and publisher of Hugh's News)? Oh, I would like to go back to college, not for any degree, but to learn how to draw better with balance and exactness. I like to draw portraits and eventually I would like to do caricatures. That will be my hobby and something I really enjoy doing.
But, I can't believe that God will now place me on a shelf and be inactive. Somehow, I feel that I have a lot to offer younger men. I have done just about everything in ministry, and my experience is worth something as a counselor or a consultant in pastoral care and counseling, in administration, in growing Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, retreats, special events, world missions, evangelism and church planting. I will be available provided I am asked.
This week a top sales executive for a television company in Houston, TX, called my office and reminded me of what I taught in a Ministers and Wives Retreat in the Texas Conference (now called Grace Bible Ministries) when Bishop Leroy Baker was the conference superintendent in December 1994. He quoted some of the teaching I had entitled, "Making a Five-Minute Hospital Call Count." I was surprised that he would remember, and that he has used it in his ministry when visiting patients in the hospital. He made my day by enabling me to realize my teaching had not been in vain. It is my belief that many pastors are not disciplined in making hospital calls, and some tend to camp out with the patient and family. The result of such disregard for one's stewardship of time is often reflected in poor sermons and not feeding the flock. That is tragic. Time and hard work along with prayer is required in preparing to preach.
I want to go on record by saying that my pastor, the Rev. J. Brian Williams, is a masterful expository preacher. He works at it, uses modern technology to illustrate his message, and drives home with specific applications what he is teaching and preaching. He knows how to give an invitation, and he is led by the Holy Spirit in the conduct of worship and ministry in the altar. For Melvine and me, we are eager to attend worship at Christian Life Worship Center (formerly Tarkenton Memorial Church) in Athens on Kathwood Drive, and we are being fed the Word of God. Pastor Brian is in his early 30s. If you live in Athens, GA, or surrounding cities and towns, I highly recommend our church to you. You will be glad you came. I want to invite you today to visit our church. Once you visit, I am sure you will see why you may fit in this local congregation where you can utilize your ministry gift.
Posted on
Thu, December 15, 2011
by Hugh Morgan