Preparation for the Ministry
Every leader God calls for any capacity of ministry must be prepared to function in that ministry. Proper training is the only assurance of a leader functioning effectively for God. Many desire to be used of the Lord effectively, but few are willing to pay the price to prepare for the task. Paul admonished his son in the gospel to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).The act of preparation is to make ready for a special purpose, to make suitable, to fit, to adapt, to train, to equip, or to furnish. The ancient Greek idea of preparation emphasized the act of making something ready to function properly.
God has given the world of nature an instinct for preparation. The animals, by instinct, prepare for winter by gathering food during the harvest seasons. If God has given the animals an instinct for preparation, how much more should man feel the same for the ministry of the Spirit?
All technical occupations in society require a certain level of technical training. A person does not become a skilled craftsman by desire alone. Great skill in a craft, trade, or profession demands years of apprenticeship, practice, on-the-job training and consultation. How much more do we need seasons and years of preparation for spiritual ministry unto the Lord in the school of the Spirit and of the Word of God.
“But now, O Lord, thou art our father, we are the clay, and thou our potter, and we all are the work of thy hand” (Isaiah 64:8).
The church needs prepared and trained spiritual leaders for the perilous times in which we live. The call is for those who have been shaped and fired to be formed into godly leaders.
Those who enter the doors of Gateway College are vessels with potential for spiritual ministry unto the Lord. Gateway faculty and staff are committed to lead and prepare each student for the work of evangelism. Gateway will always be the “College of Evangelism.”
Reverend Timothy Dugas, President
Gateway College of Evangelism
