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?”