By Ron Cook

Ron and his wife Rodetta have been married for 41 years. They have actively served the Lord together in ministry during the entire time and are co-founders of Care for Pastors. Ron ministers to hundreds of pastors annually through mentorship, counseling, and by phone. He has been a Pastor for 40 years and understands the stress of ministry, and wants to share his longevity in ministry with other pastors and help them finish well.

Posted by Ron Cook

Topics: For Pastors · Ministry Life

A Tribute

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Sometimes I wonder what the next generation church will look like. I wonder how the lack of a national moral compass, when that which God declares to be good and right, is dismissed as being discrimination.

When commitment takes a back seat to convenience, when the demand for inclusiveness overrides the sanctity of the church and when perversion and personal desires trump the health and safety of the general public, all in a desire to make sure no one feels bad about their choices, it shows the lack of a moral compass.

But then I meet young church planters, pioneers, determined to make whatever sacrifices necessary to see the Great Commission continued to be carried out. Oh, they may look, talk, and dress differently than this upper 50-year old. Their tattoos are not hidden, but proudly displayed to communicate their message of commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I listen to their stories of sacrifice, their trust in the God who has called them. And their confidence that no matter the cost, they will establish a body of believers in their community that will be a light regardless of the darkness that surrounds them.

I listen to the sacrifices these pioneer wives are making to come alongside their husbands, serving together to fulfill the commission of our Savior. I honor these young men and women. They are the next generation who will see to it that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. They are confident that they, like generations before them, will carry the Good News to a world in desperate need.

A word of warning: My generation is slowly fading out of the picture so you must pick up the mantel and move forward, but in doing so don’t totally discount us. We have wisdom and experience to pass on to you that will help you on your journey. Let us come alongside you and encourage you. Let us offer to be mentors and safe places to process the challenges you face. Many of my generation never had older men of experience to walk with us or we weren’t smart enough to know we needed them. But you, the next generation, are smarter than we were, so seek out those old warriors of the faith and learn from their mistakes and victories.

I don’t know which next generation pastors will read this, but this is my tribute to you…