On Easter Sunday morning 1973 my wife and I went back to New Zion General Baptist Church, and I recommitted my life to Christ. I was saved when I was six years old but had drifted from the Lord. For several weeks I had been dreaming of me preaching but I knew my life was not pleasing to the Lord. I went that Sunday to confess to the church and to the Lord my wayward living. From that moment on the Lord had his hand upon my life. A few months later I answered the call to the ministry and my life has not been the same.

While ministry is not easy and while many have told horrific stories of trauma and pain they have endured in the ministry, I want to take a moment to talk about the blessings of ministry. God’s call upon my life has been the greatest blessing I could receive. There have been times when I wanted to quit, but always waited until tomorrow to quit. There have been low points, times of doubt and despair but there have also been times of great joy and happiness and a sense of fulfillment as I have sought to fulfill God’s purposes for my life.

Seeing someone walk the isle and surrender their lives to Christ is one of the greatest joys in life. Or to see someone who has been in a lukewarm relationship with Christ make a 180 turn and get on fire for the Lord is a great blessing. Holding a newborn baby and standing next to new parents whose hearts desire is to raise their child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is a great blessing. Hearing someone share how the Lord has used a message to turn their life around is a joy that never gets old.

Walking through life with a group of people who understand the value of a shared ministry and a shared life is a blessing that I have been privileged to experience while in the ministry. Knowing that I am doing God’s purpose for my life give me a sense of joy and peace. It is a blessing to know that I do not do this alone but there One who walks beside me, who guides me and helps me in my weakness.

One of the greatest blessings I have experienced is hearing a young man say he is called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and watching that man grow in the Lord and observe how the Lord is using Him for the Kingdom. Knowing that maybe I played a small part in making a difference in that person’s life gives me a sense of wonder and amazement. God surely uses vessels of clay to accomplish His purpose in the world.

Walking with a family through tragedy and watching how God can take a few words from stumbling lips to make a difference; to see that family recover and go on brings great joy to my heart. Discovering how God can use me to help others see Jesus more clearly or take my words to affect a broken heart, or discouraged soul is humbling and rewarding.

I have been privileged to be a counselor, confidant, spiritual leader, friend, and fellow traveler with several congregations during my ministry.  In each church I found friends who helped me, called me out, encouraged me and prayed for me. I have been blessed to have deacons who helped me lead, who labored shoulder to shoulder with me and who loved me not only as a pastor but a brother in Christ.

There were times when I didn’t think I could go another mile. In those times the Lord proved to be a friend that sticks closer than a brother. His promises are real, and His presence is guaranteed when we walk in the path He has chosen for us. This year marks 50 years of ministry for me. I look back and recall with great joy the journey I have been on. There have been mountain top experiences and there have been many times in the valley. But through it all the Lord has been faithful. 

A lot has changed in ministry since I started. But the need of people to have a shepherd is still the same. People need to hear the gospel. They need to know they are loved and cared for. They need to be reminded of the truth of God’s word and their responsibility as believers. People need a pastor. They need someone who will answer God’s call into the ministry. It will not always be easy. There will be times of discouragement and even times of failure, but the Lord will see you through.

I am glad that God has chosen this path for me. It has kept me on my knees. It has kept me in the Word. It has kept me humble, and it has caused me to keep my eyes on Jesus. I pray that at the end I will hear Him say “Well done.”

About the Author: Don Key is pastor of Macedonia General Baptist Church in Franklin Kentucky.  He is dad to Janet, and Papa to Preston and Maura.  He is expected to be a great-grandfather in April 2024.