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Be A Partner With Us!
Ephesians 4:11 mentions what we call the five-fold ministry. In the past in some circles, we put a lot of emphasis on the pastor and the evangelist, but three others are listed.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
It’s generally accepted that a pastor is also the shepherd of a local sheepfold and would likely be the head of a local ministry. And certainly the local church could have ministers other than just pastors working in that local church. But though a pastor might usually be in his home church, the others listed in Ephesians 4:11 might be called to travel. This is not just for the evangelist. When God began dealing with me to branch out more into what some call a traveling ministry, I faced decisions and choices. You can see the need for spiritual ministry everywhere. We all need to grow in God. But even though the need for the hearing of the Word is everywhere, some are especially called to minister from place to place. In Mark 1:38 Jesus said,
Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
It’s also written in Acts 16:9:
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
It's good when a traveling minister has a local church to which he’s accountable. A pastor may need as much ministry in his own home church as possible, but a traveling minister will want a home church that genuinely encourages him to be busy in what God has called him to do. Pastors should recognize this and provide a good home-base for the traveling minister, involving the congregation in prayerful, spiritual, and even financial support for the one on the road.
One aspect of the traveling ministry is keeping a busy schedule. Things have changed. Years ago churches held week-long revivals … and longer. It was often an annual event. And special services with visiting speakers occurred fairly often during the year. Pastors need to be prayerful concerning whom they invite to fill their pulpits. Certainly a pastor wants someone to visit who will fit in with the plan of God in that church. But if God is going to call a minister to travel, He would also want pastors to make room for him. A traveling minister might be fervent when praying for, as the Bible mentions, open doors of utterance. Pastors might be wise to do the same.
Another big decision in the traveling ministry concerns
finances. For me personally, I knew I wanted to be available to smaller
churches without any financial demands, but I also knew there would be
financial obligations and needs. So, I went to the Lord in fasting and
prayer. How do I leave the secular job world and its demands, and meet my
budget in the ministry? Years ago I traveled in ministry full time for
four years. After that I pastored for fifteen years. I’ve been in some
facet of ministry since 1979, but for a season it was mixed with business
which provided secular finances. The Apostle Paul made tents. However, when
the
making of those tents conflicts with the call of God, the right choice has to
be made. I believe that the Lord is my source and He meets my needs, but I
also want wisdom and direction to know how to cooperate with that. I think
it was the third day of my fast, the Lord spoke to me. He said,
“Partners.” I knew the term, but didn’t really understand how to act on
this. So, I prayed something like, “Lord, I don’t
want to take anything away from churches. Many have great financial needs.
Christians should
Whether given once, twice, or monthly, every financial gift is appreciated. We have provision to receive credit cards, PayPal, checks, monthly drafts, or even cash. As you give, I expect and believe with you to be blessed accordingly. One hundred people each giving $100 each month, or a thousand people each giving $10 each month … it all adds up to make it possible for this ministry to fulfill the call of God. Prayerfully consider if you might be a monthly partner with us, making the pledge that as God provides, and as He so leads, you will provide financial support on a monthly basis. This will help us also in our planning as we grow in various aspects of ministry outreach.
Our partners are special to us. If you, as an individual, a business, or a church, want to partner with McCanless Ministries, we’d ask that you do so, agreeing to pray for us and support us. Pray that doors of utterance will be opened, for utterance in the Holy Ghost, the anointing that destroys the yoke, that the Gospel will have free course, and that every need is met in Jesus' Name. Pray that God will stretch forth His hand to heal, and that signs and wonders will be done by the Name of Jesus. Pray for fruitfulness … souls saved, lives touched, and hearts enriched, … that God would be glorified, the Name of Jesus exalted, and people blessed. Also pray for our protection, and that we have the wisdom and integrity to represent the Lord Jesus Christ as we should.
We thank you in advance for your financial support. To help us in this way, if we’re with you in person, make your check payable to McCanless Ministries and hand it to one of us, or from this website, make a donation here. You may also mail your gifts to:
McCanless Ministries3567 Libertys Run Dr.Sophia, NC 27350
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be
committed to giving tithes and offerings to their local churches. I don’t
want pastors to think that I’m encouraging
people to become partners with me and therefore take
something away from the local church.” The Lord spoke to me again. “I will
bless them that bless you.” I thought on this for a moment. And then I
heard this, “Tell them I told you this. And if they will believe it, it
will add to them financially.” The Lord said for me to simply present the
opportunity to people. I hope no one misunderstands me. I’m simply looking
for the ones to whom the Lord speaks … or the ones in whom He puts the
desire to support this ministry. If that’s you, obey God and we will all
be blessed. If you’re not one of these, then you, too, be faithful to obey
God in whatever He desires for you to do.