SHARON KENT-MCKENZIE PUBLISHER |
In
the book of Acts we read of Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to
Damascus. In this particular encounter, Paul was both converted and called to
proclaim the gospel. Although Paul immediately began sharing the gospel with
others, it was some time before he fulfilled his calling completely and became
the missionary who led and founded the greater part of the early church. He was
ready to share the truth of salvation available through the sacrifice of Jesus
Christ for our sins. But he was not yet ready to be the leader God had called
him to be. He needed to be taught. He needed to grow in Christ. He needed to
develop a deeper understanding of his relationship with Christ. He needed to
become mature in his faith. He needed to prepare himself to become what God
called him to be.
In
a similar way, when we are called by God we need time to grow and develop. In
essence we need to prepare ourselves to fulfill the calling that we have
decided to answer. So what can we do to prepare to fulfill God’s calling? What
can we do right now to help ourselves to be ready when the time comes to head
to Evangeline Booth College School For Officer Training? Here are a few
suggestions. If you are serious about preparing yourself for training and
officership, consider beginning to work on these areas in your life.
1.
Develop a consistent devotional time and Bible study routine. Many devotional
books are available to assist you in this area. Usually they include a
scripture verse or short scripture reading, some thoughts related to the
scripture in the form of a brief reading, and a question or two to consider.
Your devotional time should include a time of prayer, listening as well as
sharing with God. Whether you use a book, your songbook, an app, or your own
reading plan, it is important to spend time with the Lord in a consistent way
at whatever time of day works with your schedule and your personality. In
addition, you should have some sort of routine Bible study. You may attend
Bible study at your corps or have a Bible study group that you participate in.
You may have a Bible study time on your own. This time should be different from
your devotional time in that it should include more in depth study of God’s
word. Your corps officer can be of great help in guiding you in the development
of a devotional life and Bible study routine.
2.
Get involved in your corps program. Participate in a variety of activities and
programs. Take on leadership in one or two areas of your corps. It is important
to work with your corps officer in determining the best way to take on leadership.
Your corps officer can help you to find the right place for your skills and
strengths to be developed in conjunction with the needs of your corps.
3.
Gain exposure to the administrative functions of your corps. Ask your corps
officer to bring you to a civic function. Spend a day in the office working
with the caseworker or bookkeeper. Ask your corps officer to spend a couple of
hours with you explaining some of the administrative activities he/she
participates in on a daily basis.
4.
Get your finances in order, and work on getting out of debt. If you have debt,
it is extremely important that you begin immediately to work on eliminating
that debt. If you need help learning how to better manage your finances or
finding ways to eliminate your debt, talk to your corps officer or someone else
who can give you guidance or recommend someone who can give you guidance. If
you have eliminated debt, begin saving money to help pay for training and the
expenses related to it.
Major
Cindy Corbett
Divisional
Candidates Secretary