Is the word “normal” really just a setting on a dryer? According to author Barbara Johnson it is. Generally, we all have our own perception of what “normal” is.

We can likely all agree that it is “normal” for God to call youth into ministry. However, there are some who may feel that is wonderful yet “abnormal” when God calls mature Christians into ministry, but is it really?

God needs to use people of all ages for the work in His kingdom. It has always seemed normal for God to call people into ministry at the beginning or at the end of their career. Let’s take a closer look at some examples in our very own district of people that God has called into full-time ministry for His service in the midst of their career!

Dr. H.C. Wilson was called from his banking career into ministry in 1970. He has served in many positions in the Wesleyan Church and is currently the District Superintendent of the Atlantic District.

Pastor Rosalee Brown has always served in many lay positions in the church, including ministry as a Pastor’s wife. She felt the call to full time ministry in 2001 and is completing her ministerial courses this year. She currently is an Assistant Pastor at Metro Wesleyan in Halifax.

Gary and Joanne Campbell became Christians in their “40’s” and felt called into ministry. Gary became the Pastor of Doaktown Wesleyan in 1990. He was commissioned in 1994. Gary and Joanne are currently serving as managers of the Beulah Camp property.

At Bethany Bible College there are also staff members who have left successful careers because God was calling them into ministry. A few examples:

Rev. John Symonds left a teaching career in the public school system in 1979. He is currently the Program Director of Pastor Ministry at Bethany and Senior Pastor of First Wesleyan Church in Saint John.

Dr. Art Maxwell left an engineering career at NB Power in 1973. He serves as Academic Dean.

Mr. Rob Trafton left his position as District Manager with N.B. Power to enter the ministry in 1995. Rob serves as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.

Mr. Doug Graham retired early form his position as Principal of Millville Elementary in 2000 to be Christian School Education Program Director.

Isn’t it great to know that we have dynamic Christians “out there” in our work places and education centers that are leading people to the Lord from where they are?

There are also people like Dean and Elizabeth Edgett who are still involved in their career but have served for over 10 years as Ambassadors, traveling for Bethany.

Then there are those people who have retired early and are furthering their education in ministry. People like Conard Symonds who had many positions in the public school system such as principal, guidance counselor and teacher. Conard is currently enrolled in ministerial studies. He has recently represented our district as a layperson on an Atlantic District mission team in Africa and is leading a group preparing to go to Mozambique in March 2006. Conard is proactive in leadership roles at Olivet Wesleyan and serves on the Wesleyan Church of Canada board as well as the Atlantic District Board of Administration.

The true secret to success is to be willing to be “normal or abnormal” for God! Be willing and open to where He leads!

SO IS IT SAFE TO SAY THAT IT IS NOT ABNORMAL FOR GOD TO CALL YOU NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE – INTO MINISTRY?

Is God calling you? Read Hebrews 11 to remember how God has called men and women into His service.

Remember Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
“Be confident in this that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus”.

God will never lead you where His strength cannot keep you!

STAY TUNED NEXT MONTH TO READ ABOUT SOME “ABNORMAL LAY PEOPLE” IN OUR VERY OWN DISTRICT!