20 Years in the Ministry

 Today marks twenty years since I graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Nostalgic isn’t the word that comes to mind as I look at the diploma hanging in my office this morning. A better description would be a deep sense of gratitude, gratitude for being covered, sustained, and carried by God’s grace.

 I remember one of my professors telling us that many seminary graduates would no longer be in ministry five years after completing their degree. I also remember our seminary president warning us that ministry “wasn’t for wimps.” All I knew then was that God had called me, and I was determined not to be part of that five-year statistic. I didn’t want to be counted out. I was resolved. But here’s what I’ve learned…

 

I am blessed to say that I am still serving in full-time ministry today, twenty years later. Yet, it has nothing to do with my determination or stubbornness. It has everything to do with God’s grace, His sustaining power, and His work in and through my life. Ministry has looked nothing like what I once imagined. I never saw myself as a youth pastor, yet I served in that role for seven years. I never envisioned serving outside the traditional church setting, and yet I have spent the last thirteen-plus years as a missionary in uniform, as an Active Duty Army Chaplain.

 

I have often been uncomfortable. I have frequently been stretched beyond my skill set. I have faced challenges I never anticipated. And still, I am grateful. No seminary degree can fully prepare someone for everything they will encounter in gospel ministry. But the education, the exposure to brilliant biblical scholars, and the camaraderie of students passionate about serving the Lord, those were gifts I remain eternally grateful for.

 

In addition, I am beyond blessed to have a wife that is faithful to God and trusting of His leading. She has been willing to go wherever the Lord has called us. She has also been key in setting the example of godly faithfulness to our children. Stephanie Tilden is an incredible partner in ministry.

 

My prayer is that God continues to use me for another twenty years and beyond. That would be an incredible blessing. What an honor it is to serve the Lord every single day! I feel undeserving and profoundly privileged to do what I do.

 

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24