Son,
I’m writing to encourage, support and warn you of things that you will need to know and be prepared for in order to be effective in your future ministry.
First, I want to encourage you to passionately pursue Christ and point people to Him in everything that you do and say. Be intentional on how you live your life so as to win as many as possible. I want to encourage you to stand firm in your faith. Be rooted in the truth of God’s Word and in those who have discipled you as a follower of Christ. Don’t worry about what others think or say about you. I want to encourage you to love boldly, live generously, and listen intently. In doing this you will learn to be used by God in greater ways than you ever imagined. This will also help you learn to put others needs ahead of your own for the cause of Christ. These things will be difficult but don’t give up! Press on and be diligent in these things. Most of all I encourage you to do all of this through the power of the Holy Spirit and not of your own strength.
Secondly, I want to support you in your ministry. I have grown to greatly appreciate the men in my life who have spoken the hard truths to me about ministry & leadership. I want to be one of those people for you. When you’re stuck in a tricky situation or need another perspective, I hope you know that you can come to me for support in anything. I will do my best to stand behind you and the things that God has called you to do. Trust also in the support you have received from your wife, family and other spiritual leaders. Don’t make decisions or do things on your own. Include us in your leadership. Process things with your support system and most of all pray that there is unity in your circle before moving forward on anything. This will save you a lot of pain and heartache.
Finally I want to warn you of the hardships that you will face. This world is cold and cruel. There will be people who reject the gospel and you. There will be people who try to gain your friendship and trust for their own hidden agendas but really won’t care for you at all. Be sure to guard your heart in those relationships so as not to be surprised when people disappoint and let you down. You should be warned that doing ministry with sinful people is very challenging. But don’t be discouraged because when God gets ahold of their hearts, you will see amazing things happen and your heart will forever be encouraged because of their faith, obedience and love. Lastly, I want to warn you of pride and arrogance. Please don’t allow room for them in your heart. They will ruin and destroy your effectiveness in the ministry. No matter how much you see God do in and through you please remember that it’s His power at work in you. There is no room for you to boast. Remember that you are simply His servant and His instrument.
I pray that in doing these things that His Kingdom will be greatly increased and forever be changed because of your obedience.
~ Eric Miller