Not too long after I was saved, I began to feel like God wanted me to do more than just sit in the pew. Heather and I were on our way to the mall and I told her that I felt like God was calling me to preach. Her response was "He's not calling me to be a preacher's wife!" Needless to say that made for an interesting trip to the mall.
A few weeks later I talked to my pastor. He said that he believed God was calling me but he wanted to the Lord to reveal that to me so he didn't say anything. He gave me the opportunity to preach one Wednesday night. During my sermon (if you could call it that) I was very nervous and monotonous. At the end of the service, our church family came up to compliment and encourage me. On the drive home Heather told me that the Lord had put it on her heart that this is what we were called to during my message!! That was in 1997.
Looking back, I thank God for the awesome way He revealed to Heather and I that this is what we are supposed to do. I can't imagine doing anything other than preaching and teaching the Word of God and shepherding the flock that He has called us to!
Showing posts with label My Biography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Biography. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
My Testimony
I was not raised in a Christian home. My parents were divorced when I was too young to remember. My mom moved us to Florida (from Virginia) when I was about 7. Our family background was Catholic but that was just a title. I remember one time when I was 12 years old I went to a Catholic church with a friend. Someone asked me if I was a Christian in the parking lot. I asked what that meant and they said, "Do you believe in God?" Of course I believed in God. Their response was, "Then you're a Christian."
I moved to Northwest Arkansas as soon as I graduated high school. I started working for Wal-Mart and the guy who was training me began to share Jesus with me. I realized for the first time that Christ died for my sins. I had always believed in God but I never believed on God. I believed facts but I didn't have faith.
On September 6, 1995, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My life began to change and I now had meaning and purpose in my life! Tomorrow I will write about my call to preach.
Monday, February 13, 2012
About Me
My name is J.D. Arnold and this is my very first blog post. I thought I would take the initial post to introduce myself and give you a little biographical information.
I was not raised in a Christian home. My mom and dad were divorced when I was really young. Neither of them are believers today. I was raised in Florida and moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1995, three days after I graduated high school. I started working for Wal-Mart and my trainer was a Christian. I thought good people went to heaven. He helped me to see my sin and need for forgiveness. He told me that was only possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. On Sept. 6, 1995 I trusted Christ and was gloriously saved.
Not long after that, I felt called to preach. It scared me because I hated to speak in front of people. I am thankful that God gave me the gifts necessary to fulfill His call on my life.
Heather and I have been married for over 15 years. We have two children, Karlee 14, and Eli 12.
Currently I am pastoring in Jane, Missouri. Jane is a town just north of Bentonville, AR in the Southwest corner of Missouri. Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) is only 22 years old and I am the fourth pastor. God is really moving in the hearts and lives of people and it is totally by His grace. This past Sunday we had 97 people in attendance which is 25% of the population!
I am also finishing a Masters degree through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and will begin doctoral studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kansas City, MO) in January 2013.
Why Diary of a Wimpy Pastor?
I confess that I can do nothing. I can't build anything, fix a car, etc. I have never changed my own oil and I have never touched a farm animal (I plan on keeping it that way!!). It is safe to say that this city boy is out of place, except that I absolutely love the people of EBC and it is a great joy to serve them!
Special thanks to my daughter Karlee, who designed the template for me!
I was not raised in a Christian home. My mom and dad were divorced when I was really young. Neither of them are believers today. I was raised in Florida and moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1995, three days after I graduated high school. I started working for Wal-Mart and my trainer was a Christian. I thought good people went to heaven. He helped me to see my sin and need for forgiveness. He told me that was only possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. On Sept. 6, 1995 I trusted Christ and was gloriously saved.
Not long after that, I felt called to preach. It scared me because I hated to speak in front of people. I am thankful that God gave me the gifts necessary to fulfill His call on my life.
Heather and I have been married for over 15 years. We have two children, Karlee 14, and Eli 12.
Currently I am pastoring in Jane, Missouri. Jane is a town just north of Bentonville, AR in the Southwest corner of Missouri. Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) is only 22 years old and I am the fourth pastor. God is really moving in the hearts and lives of people and it is totally by His grace. This past Sunday we had 97 people in attendance which is 25% of the population!
I am also finishing a Masters degree through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and will begin doctoral studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kansas City, MO) in January 2013.
Why Diary of a Wimpy Pastor?
I confess that I can do nothing. I can't build anything, fix a car, etc. I have never changed my own oil and I have never touched a farm animal (I plan on keeping it that way!!). It is safe to say that this city boy is out of place, except that I absolutely love the people of EBC and it is a great joy to serve them!
Special thanks to my daughter Karlee, who designed the template for me!
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