Wesley's Questions #17

  

 I have been recently asked by someone in the Global Methodist Church if could answer the 19 questions that John Wesley had his bishops ask those wanting to enter the ministry in regard to the GMC. I believed I could so in taking on that challenge I am going to post my answers. They probably won't be perfect or how you might answer them but they will be mine. Perhaps you might ask yourself how you might answer them.  

John Wesley’s Questions

Responses by Charles Wesley Areson

 

17. Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God?

This question causes me to the answer I gave in question 5 “Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and to God’s work?” To answer this in the paradigm of most people I would have to answer, no. I plan to spend time developing myself and doing things that I enjoy. I plan to spend time with my family and friends. I plan to spend time practicing the sabbath as I understand God wants me to. I plan to spend a lot of time away from the church. I plan to spend time sleeping. Why do I say these things? I see the work of God in me as being more than the work of the church.

In the past, I gave my oldest daughter a card which if given to me was a sign she wanted my time. I told her that it was good anytime she needed me. I told my church's boards that if I was getting ready to preach on Sunday morning and she gave me that card, they would be on their own. I heard the stories of too many pastors’ children feeling resentment toward the church and to God. These unhappy children thought they were the second or third place in the church. I was not going to allow that to happen to my children. As I answered before, I believe scripture teaches my first responsibility outside of my relationship with God is my relationship with my family. I will not change this.

This being said, the ministry isn’t a job it is a calling and it requires a lot of time. A willingness to let go of things and go outside your comfort zone. In spite of my commitment, my wife would say that I often spend too much time doing church stuff.

When it comes to the final word on this subject, I would say I see all of my time as belonging to God. He wants me to spend time recharging myself. He wants me to spend it with family and friends. He also wants to use my time in ministry to others. At the end of the day, I have to ask, “Am I spending the time I have the way God would want?”

Wesley's Questions #16

  

 I have been recently asked by someone in the Global Methodist Church if could answer the 19 questions that John Wesley had his bishops ask those wanting to enter the ministry in regard to the GMC. I believed I could so in taking on that challenge I am going to post my answers. They probably won't be perfect or how you might answer them but they will be mine. Perhaps you might ask yourself how you might answer them.  

John Wesley’s Questions

16. Will you recommend fasting or abstinence, both by precept and example?

I have and will continue to teach and practice fasting. Fasting is a Biblical concept and a recognized spiritual discipline. In the past, I have fasted food and abstained from other pleasures in times of prayer and in the Lenten season. A fast of some pleasure during Lent has been a practice of me and my family for nearly twenty years. I cannot say that I recall anything miraculous happening as a result of a fast or time of abstinence but it isn’t about getting something. Fasting is about discipline and the results of a disciplined life are not often seen when one is practicing. Therefore, I will recommend fasting and abstinence as an important part of Christian discipleship.

Wesley's Questions #15

  

 I have been recently asked by someone in the Global Methodist Church if could answer the 19 questions that John Wesley had his bishops ask those wanting to enter the ministry in regard to the GMC. I believed I could so in taking on that challenge I am going to post my answers. They probably won't be perfect or how you might answer them but they will be mine. Perhaps you might ask yourself how you might answer them.  

John Wesley’s Questions

15. Will you visit from house to house?

In today’s world, at least in America, there does need to be a leave of caution for ministers especially men doing house-to-house ministry by themselves. This caution does not mean that the ministry should not take place, they need to. Home visitation is what I have done in past and what I am currently doing at St. Marks and as a hospice chaplain. I have been in houses that were mansions and in others where I had to bag my clothes afterward to keep roaches from coming home with me.

We see in the New Testament that ministry happens house to house and in some ways, the church has lost out by allowing all its ministries to take place in the church. I hope in the future, I will not just do pastoral visitation house to house but to lead Bible studies, prayer times, class meetings, and the like.

Wesley's Questions #14

  

 I have been recently asked by someone in the Global Methodist Church if could answer the 19 questions that John Wesley had his bishops ask those wanting to enter the ministry in regard to the GMC. I believed I could so in taking on that challenge I am going to post my answers. They probably won't be perfect or how you might answer them but they will be mine. Perhaps you might ask yourself how you might answer them.  

John Wesley’s Questions

14. Will you diligently instruct children in every place?

I do not see myself as being a teacher of children, however, as a minister of the gospel I do not see God giving age brackets. If there is an opportunity to instruct people then it is my responsibility as a minister of the gospel to teach. We do not specifically see Jesus teaching children but his willingness to let the little ones come to Him gives us an example that we are to reach to all ages (Matthew 19:14).

In the past, I have taught Bible school, lead children’s meetings, and worked with children in church, schools, and in the community. I admit that I feel completely inadequate for the job, but I have done what need to do. It is also my hope that I can help instruct children in the stories I have published and the ones I hope to in the future. With all of this being considered, I will answer Yes to this question.