Respect for the Ministry

Cecil Daniels's picture
Posted Fri, 01/21/2011 - 17:27 by Cecil Daniels
Miscellaneous Things that Impress me About Louisiana
I was born in Louisiana and have been a pastor or staff minister in 5 churches in 3 districts. I have found that the great people of Louisiana were taught profound respect for the ministry. It is imperative that if a man’s ministry is to be effective he must be respected. If you do not respect the man, at least respect the position. Many people do not agree with this but I strongly believe that if a man is not worthy to be in leadership, it will be revealed in due time and God can deal with it!
The following stories reveal the great respect that Louisiana preachers have for one another and the office they may hold.  
On one occasion a lady spoke very rude to me and other staff members in the camp office. A week later I got a call from her pastor stating that another lady from his church had apprised him of what had taken place. He had called to tell me that he did not allow people from his church to disrespect the ministry and that she would be dealt with. He gave me the benefit of the doubt and did not even ask my side of the story.
One time the Sunday school division was hosting a Sunday school rally in Brother Murrell Ewing’s church in Lake Charles, LA. Since I do not “do” children’s ministry I had designed the service so I would not be on the platform at all. Brother Ewing asked me if I was going to say anything and I said no. He said, “The district Sunday school director cannot come to my church and not great the congregation.” So I did and this was a great reminder to me how great men value the ministry of others. 
I was also impressed with the fact that, during an event I was responsible for, I was always given deference in regards to things that I needed or that affected my duties. At no time did any person of authority try to “pull rank” on me or disregard my position as Sunday school director. I was always treated with the utmost of respect.
I also learned to love and respect the men who serve our district in its various capacities; especially the district board. They serve in some of the most difficult times since the formation of the church and they have a most difficult job. I know that they seek to fulfill the will of God in every decision they make. They love the beautiful state of Louisiana with all its great preachers and saints.
Sure you can point to some faults and failures but who among us has a perfect tract record and who has not made mistakes? At times some people from other districts criticize us and some of it may be deserved. But overall God has bountifully blessed and used this district as a catalyst for revival and evangelism around the world. I also reckon that our greatest days are before us. May God continue to bless the world through the great state of Louisiana!