Will Dieterich - Denton, TX

I am not entirely sure exactly when the call to ministry happened in my Christian walk, but I know it was pretty early on. I remember watching videos of Jeff Rose prior to meeting him and doing ministry with him and being encouraged by the boldness to preach in the open air. I also desire to have a pulpit ministry as well. Knowing that the message of the gospel radically changed my life and desires, I want others to be free from their transgressions too.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 ESV

The only hope that this world has is in Christ. If I have the message that will transform the world and I hold it back and do not proclaim it, that would be hateful. I think all of us understand and agree the most loving thing I can do for my neighbors is to share the gospel with them. It is out of necessity that I proclaim Christ; I must tell people of the free gift of grace, his everlasting righteousness, and the need to be reconciled to a perfect and holy God. This grace trains us to live lawfully because He writes his law on our hearts. I am reminded of the prophet Jeremiah when considering the call to ministry.

“If I say, “I will not mention him,

or speak any more in his name,”

there is in my heart as it were a burning fire

shut up in my bones,

and I am weary with holding it in,

and I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9 ESV.

I have many spiritual leaders in my life who have confirmed my call to ministry men like Jeff Rose, Brady Brewer, Bill Adams, Jeff Patton, Jon Speed, Phil George, Cory Shahan and Rob Coe. I must tell people of the God who has saved me he has forgiven me and I live to make his name known. I must do the work of an evangelist, fulfilling my ministry.

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

2 Timothy 4:5 ESV