What's The REAL Cost of Ministry? Have you ever wondered what it really takes to be a minister? From the outside, it may seem like a noble and selfless profession, but the truth is that ministry can come with a high personal cost. In this video, we'll explore the unseen sacrifices that many ministers make, from the toll it takes on their mental and physical health to the strain it puts on their relationships. We'll also examine the financial realities of ministry and how it can impact a minister's quality of life. Join us as we take a closer look at the real cost of ministry and what it means to truly follow God's calling.
This podcast features an engaging discussion led by Apostle Keith Jenkins and Pastor Lamont, along with Reverend Rose, focusing on the often-unseen struggles and true calling of ministry. They highlight the sacrifices, trials, and commitment required, contrasting the glamorous perception of ministry with the hardships endured by biblical figures like Paul. The conversation also touches on current events and local issues in Florida, using them as metaphors to emphasize the importance of heeding warnings and personal responsibility, ultimately urging listeners and aspiring ministers to understand the profound dedication and selfless love necessary for true service to God and the church.
The Cost and Call of True Ministry
Briefing Document: "Did I Really Sign Up For This?" - A Deep Dive into the Nature of Ministry and Warning
Source: Excerpts from "Did I Really Sign Up For This.mp3" featuring Apostle Keith Jenkins, Reverend Rose, and Pastor Lamont.
Date of Broadcast/Recording: The specific date is not provided, but references to ongoing events (e.g., "for the last few weeks," "yesterday" regarding John MacArthur's death) suggest a recent recording.
I. Overarching Theme: The True Nature and Cost of Ministry vs. Perceived Glamour
The central theme of the broadcast, encapsulated in its title "Did I Really Sign Up For This?", is a critical examination of what it truly means to be in ministry, contrasting the often-glamorous perception with the harsh realities of labor, suffering, and unwavering dedication. The speakers emphasize that genuine ministry is characterized by sacrifice, resilience, and an abiding love for the church, rather than personal comfort, popularity, or accolades.
Key Ideas/Facts:
Ministry as Labor and Suffering: The speakers repeatedly highlight that ministry is hard work, often accompanied by significant hardship. Apostle Keith asserts, "The potency of your ministry is not on how glamorous you are, how popular you are, how anointed you think you are. The potency of your ministry is how you suffer. For if I suffer, I will reign."
The "Dirty Side" of Ministry: This concept is introduced as the "side that you're reading now that is not in the sign up brochure. This is not on the advertisement page of who wants to be a minister." It involves relentless effort, persecution, and personal discomfort.
Paul's Suffering as a Benchmark: The discussion heavily references 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, detailing Paul's experiences of "labors more abundant," "stripes above measure," frequent imprisonments, "death threats," "shipwreck," "hunger and thirst," and "cold and nakedness." This serves as the ultimate example of true ministerial commitment.
Apostle Keith breaks down Paul's "39 stripes 5" (215 times) as symbolic of the suffering for each five-fold ministry office, asking, "You still want to preach? You’re going to pay for this?"
Dispelling Misconceptions of "Full-Time Ministry": The speakers challenge the notion of "full-time ministry" for those who "not going to work," are "sitting on their behinds doing nothing," and "won't even go to the hospital and visit the sick in the shut in." They contrast this with Paul, who was an entrepreneur supporting himself and his team.
Love for the Church as a Core Requirement: Beyond loving God, preachers must demonstrate love for "the brethren" and "the government of God, the Ecclesia, the Embassy." This love dictates a willingness to endure challenges for the sake of the body of Christ.
Apostle Keith asks, "Do you love the church? Do you love the brethren?" and later, "I love God. That is cute and that is nice... But for the preacher, do you love the Church?"
Consequences of Unprepared or Self-Serving Ministry: The broadcast strongly critiques those who enter ministry for the wrong reasons, are unprepared, or seek personal glory. Pastor Lamont likens this to joining the military for benefits rather than duty: "A lot of us, we love to be worshiped. We love to be on the big stage in the in in in the big old churches."
Apostle Keith shares a personal anecdote of rebuking his son for unprepared preaching, stating, "My we wore him out. This was not behind some closed door. We spoke for the people. Don't you ever do this to another congregation."
"Your emergency is not necessarily my urgency": Apostle Keith coins this phrase, whichPastor Lamont praises as a key takeaway, implying that ministers should not be swayed by personal "emergencies" that detract from their divine purpose or allow others' trivial concerns to dictate their priorities.
II. Secondary Theme: Heeding Warnings and Personal Responsibility
A significant portion of the broadcast shifts focus to the concept of heeding warnings, illustrating how negligence in personal life often mirrors a lack of dedication or understanding in spiritual matters. This theme emphasizes personal responsibility and the dangers of ignoring clear signs of impending trouble, both physical and spiritual.
Key Ideas/Facts:
Critique of Blame Culture: Apostle Keith expresses frustration with people blaming external forces (like the President) for natural disasters when warnings were issued and ignored. He points out that in Florida, "we do that a lot... we get warnings and we just ignore them."
Examples of Ignored Warnings: Hurricane Preparedness in Florida: Despite advanced warnings ("June 1st"), people wait until "the last minute to start preparing," then party until "the lights go out."
Texas Floods: Alarms sounded on Thursday, but the storm didn't hit until Friday, indicating ample warning that was not heeded.
Lightning Strikes: A tourist in Florida was struck by lightning because he "the tallest thing around on the beach" despite warnings to go indoors when thunder is heard.
Alligator/Snake Warnings in Florida: All standing water in Florida should be presumed to contain alligators and venomous snakes, yet people still risk entering them.
Binky the Polar Bear Incident (Alaska): Pastor Lamont recounts a story where a foreigner ignored multiple warning signs and physical barriers at a zoo to get a selfie with a polar bear, resulting in severe injury. This illustrates extreme human folly in the face of clear danger.
"Poor planning on your part don't mean urgency or blame on my part": This military maxim, introduced by Pastor Lamont, encapsulates the idea that individuals are responsible for their own preparedness and choices, and their self-inflicted crises are not others' responsibility.
Spiritual Application of Warnings: The analogy extends to spiritual life, suggesting that God provides warnings and guidance, and neglecting them leads to spiritual "disaster." "Don't you as a child of God take things at face value and jump on the bandwagon of hatred at least thoroughly investigate what is being told and make your own decision."
Denial of Bibles to Immigrants: A brief but significant mention is made of immigrants being denied Bibles while housed in the Everglades, highlighting a grave spiritual concern and a violation of access to "the word."
III. Supporting Themes & Notable Ideas:
The Importance of Stillness and Reflection: The introductory segment of the broadcast emphasizes slowing down in life: "Time can't stay still, but you can take that mind understanding. Just chill. Time is moving. Slow it down just to be still. You will get there."
Kingdom Teachers International Ministries: This organization is identified as the platform for the broadcast, aiming to "receive an impartation of grace and apostleship so that you may be established in the knowledge of God's glory by understanding pre present truth." Its mission is "teaching and preaching the good news of the kingdom of God" and "raising up kingdom teachers to infiltrate and influence the seven kingdoms of this world with the doctrine of the father."
Evangelism and Witnessing: Every "born again believer" is called to be "the minister, you are the witness, and you are the preacher."
The Power of Prayer: Prayer should focus on solutions and God's power, not merely on problems or complaints. The example of John and Peter praying for boldness and signs and wonders is cited: "God didn't move on them being locked up. He had them locked up. God didn't move in their calamity. God moved in their professed victory."
Controversy and Unity within Christianity: The passing of John MacArthur, a "very fundamentalist uncompromising with a Calvinist doctrine," sparks a discussion on theological differences (e.g., Calvinism vs. Arminianism, cessationist vs. continuationist of Holy Spirit manifestations). Apostle Keith emphasizes that "Just because people disagree with you don't mean they are lost."
He also offers a "happy medium" on salvation: "You are saved and you better stay saved," warning against "fall[ing] away" to a point where "there is no more sacrifice for sin."
Identity and Calling: Individuals should embrace their unique calling (e.g., teacher vs. preacher) rather than trying to emulate others. Apostle Keith shares how another preacher helped him recognize his calling as a teacher, noting how people would "go out of their way to get a Bible so that they can open it up" when he taught.
Sacrifice in Personal Relationships for Ministry: The broadcast touches on the demanding nature of ministry on personal relationships, particularly marriage. Apostle Keith asserts that for a preacher, "Jesus and his calling came before he had you. You are late." and that God "didn't divorce him. I just shared him. But I have first dibs."
IV. Call to Action/Concluding Thoughts:
The broadcast ends with a powerful call for ministers to renew their commitment to "the work of the ministry" with a "willing heart" and a readiness to endure hardship. It reinforces that authentic ministry is a full-time, demanding commitment requiring personal sacrifice and a deep love for the church, echoing Paul's example of unwavering dedication despite immense suffering. The ultimate message is to acknowledge the true cost of ministry and embrace it wholeheartedly, understanding that "only what you do for Christ will last."
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