This series on the five-fold ministry is based off my handwritten notes, which I took as I attended a church conference on this topic in Mar 2024.
Text: Exo 3:1-6
Obstacles to encountering God as pastors:
- Fatigue
- Busyness
- Ambition
- Shame of past failures
Moses encountered God out of the mundane things: while He was being faithful to tending his father in law’s flock.
Elements of a fresh encounter with God:
- God’s terms vs Our terms. We don’t come before God saying Lord this is how I want You to use me. Rather, Lord how do You want to use me, do it Your way.
- Desire vs Our familiarity. In v2, Moses was curious to look at the burning bush more, although burning bushes were a common sight in the hot and arid desert.
- ‘Here I am Lord’ vs ‘Where are you Lord’. In v4, we see Moses was ready for whatever God wants to say to him.
- Holiness vs Casualness. In v5, Moses had to take off this sandals, while approaching God.
- Covenantal vs Contractual. God blesses us not because we have served Him well. But because He is faithful to bring all things including His promises to us. Hence, let us restore the call of God in our lives.
Elements of a prophetic transformation from God:
- Receive fresh mandate / purpose from God, rather than trying to meet the needs of people
- Focus on others, rather than our self achievements, and how God used us in the past
- God’s purpose in our lives is for the salvation of humanity, rather than our survival
