Over the past 20 years, at Church On The GO, in Newmarket, ON, I have had the privilege and experience of training up tens of children and teens in the church. God's grace allows me to keep at it to this day. Praise the Lord!
I was first introduced into youth ministry in 2001, by Pastor Rev. Margaret I Coates (1936-2012). Since then, Pastor Rev. Stephen Coates (her son) has been raising me in ministry as my ministry father. Recently one of my spiritual kids called me their spiritual father. What a tremendous honour. There is nothing like that.
I consider them spiritual children in that I have imparted my love of Jesus, my love of His Word and my love of His Spirit to them. I shared the Gospel with each of them. I shared the heart of the Heavenly Father with them, through Jesus Christ the Son of God.
All by the Power of His Holy Spirit!
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| Graphic created by Jenny Harrison |
Their generation will carry the Gospel forward to new people. They will carry with them a deep understanding of God the Father's Heart. Many of my spiritual kids have grown up into fine young adults. They have continued to walk in and for Christ. Still others have distanced themselves from me, their old pastor and spiritual mentor. But I pray for them all. Some may forget me, but I have not forgotten them. And God knows where they all are.
Scattered across Canada, there are young adults with God's Spirit in them, because God allowed me to teach them the Gospel of Jesus, and to disciple them. That is what I live for. I live for Jesus. And for His spiritual family.
"And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." (1 John 2:28)
#20yearsinthemaking #pastor #spiritualchildren #spiritualfatherhood
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| Graphic by Curtis Alexander |
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