This man would consider his calling to be a pastor at Spangle Community Church to be a long term commitment. He would set about to learn the history and the people of this community that he would grow to love them and be able to think through the issues that confront a small, rural church in a small community. He would seek to become well-known to the town’s people and organizations as part of his evangelistic strategy for spreading the Gospel.

 

     This man would have to have history and testimony from previous relationships that he is passionate in his love and pursuit of the Most High God, not just an employee of the church system until retirement. He must bring with him the enthusiastic commendation of the previous congregation he served or be prepared to explain why the lack.

 

     He seeks to inspire others to love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.  His desire is to create, or integrate into, a team of overcomers who exude holiness and truth.​ He understands that his greatest achievement will be to prepare, equip and inspire the flock for their sifting by the Refiner’s Fire.

 

     This man would be after men to love and disciple them, equipping them to do the work of the ministry, to lead their families to Christ and establish growth and worship in their homes and to view their homes as centers of ministry within the world where they are.

 

Some salient marks of the man we are after:

· Passionate, meaning “God” is not a part time interest - Deu 11:13; Mat 22:37-38

· Fears God, and isn’t afraid to say it and live it and preach it - Psa 2:11, Heb 12:28-29

· Qualifies as an Elder and a Deacon– 1Ti 3:1-7, 1Ti 3:8-13, Tit 1:6-9

· A lover of God and His Word by deeds and actions - 1Co 13:1

· A Disciplemaker; edifies all to become fruitful in their knowledge of Christ - Mat 28:19-20, 2Ti 2:2

· Not jealous of other men’s giftedness - 1Ti 3:6, 1Pe 5:5

· Teachable, meaning requires a band of men for sharpening and encouragement - Eph 4:16, 1Th 5:11

· Transparent, meaning he is willing to be probed about his secret life - Jas 5:16, Act 5:9, Jas 4:10

· Equips the Saints for their Refiner’s Fire moment - Psa 28:5, 1Co 3:10-15, Rev 22:12

· Highly regarded by those he served before - Php 2:29, 2Co 12:18

· His wife thinks he is qualified and supports him wholeheartedly - Eph 5:22-24, 1Ti 3:11

· Does not live by usury; not a credit card junkie - Psa 15:5, Eze 22:12, 1Th 4:11, 2Th 3:12

· Is an exhorter, a brutal truth-teller - 2Ti 4:2, Tit 1:9, Heb 3:13

· Full of joy - Psa 16:11, Psa 21:1, Neh 8:10, Mat 25:21