MY LIFE STORY: How God Called Me Into the Ministry

Every pastor has a story. Some peculiar. Some extra spectacular. My calling was more of a process. How I became a pastor is a long story. I have written part of the story in fulfillment of my chaplaincy requirement during my ministerial internship training. I am sharing it with you. May it help inspire others who are having doubts whether they have been called into the pastoral ministry.

Feel free to download and save the pdf attachment.

Excerpts:

"Perhaps you wonder if it was God who really called me at all. My story is quite different from the experiences of other pastors who have been called into the ministry. There are those tragic accidents that led to a second life encounter with God. A demon possession that ended in spiritual deliverance. Or the tender wooing of the Spirit in a child’s heart that eventually led to a decision to become a minister. And countless extraordinary ways by which God transformed the life of an individual and called him to the ministry.

"As I attempted to excel academically, my quest for an understanding of what righteousness by faith deepened. As far as I can remember, I know I have a relationship with God, but I just did not have an assurance of salvation. I often wondered and thought , “How can I be sure that God loves me and that I have this assurance of salvation.” "Since a young child, I was somehow thought that I have to obey all of the ten commandments in order to be saved. And to be kept saved, it has to be kept perfectly. And I was so far from obeying all ten of it. While in college this fear of hell haunted me.

"I lived a fearful life before. As a Christian I lived to please other people and God. He was to me a cosmic policeman who is always out there to check for my inadequacies and failures. The God that I have been taught was tyrant God.

"By his grace He cleansed me from my sin and promised power over it. During that time he gave me the assurance that all I needed to do was to accept him fully by faith. My part was simply to receive Him in my life through faith. As simple as that. From then on I understood the power of the everlasting gospel and received the assurance of salvation which was missing in my life." "After my father narrated that story, he reminded me of his solemn oath to God many years ago. That story sent a shiver on my spine. So I had been dedicated to God’s service a long time ago. And God recalled my Dad’s promise by calling me personally the night of February 1991 by writing his call with the illuminating streak of a falling star.

My UnDying Dream

My Undying dream - plant a church in an urban location. My heart is impassioned by this undying flame. I am praying for that to happen soon!

How to Get A License to Solemnize Weddings in the Philippines

After submitting my applications for a license to solemnize wedding on February 27, 2009, I checked the sois.census.gov.ph website to follow up on the approval and...Wow! After just merely 6 working days (my friend took almost a month) I finally got my authorization.

Here’s the link:
http://sois.census.gov.ph/content/2009-25be36bxqk-2011

2009-25BE36BXQK-2011

Tue, 03/10/2009 - 10:22 — jnohay

Solemnizing Officer Registry Information

Registry No.	2009-25BE36BXQK-2011
Name	Ardison Ducusin Bernardo
Registry Status	Authorized
Registry Effectivity	January 27, 2009 to December 31, 2011
Validity Extension (if any)
Jurisdiction	the entire Philippines.
Religious Sect	CENTRAL LUZON CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
Sect Locality

Here’s the list of basic  requirements you need to fulfill:
    1.    Two 2x2 photos
    2.    SEC/GIS
    3.    Recommendation letter from your church organization
    4.    Recommendation letter from the mayor
    5.    Certificate of Live Birth
    6.    Certificate of Ordination
    7.    Brief History of your local church
    8.    A list of 200 members

To get a detailed list of requirements just visit the NSO office (Muslims have a different set and so on..)

My authorization allows me to officiate  weddings anywhere in the Philippines provided that both parties are Seventh-day Adventist members. (My denomination has strict rules and requires both to be church members although the government code requires at least one of them is a member of your church)

2009 Here I Come!

Saturday, March 14, 2009 7:13 AM

Wheew! After a long blogging hiatus I am back  online and here to welcome 2009. So what just happened to me for the past 2 1/2 months? Here’s a few major events-

1. I am a Dengue survivor!  The fever I had on January 1, 2009 turned out to be a symptom for dengue. After spending 6 days at the hospital I finally overcame it. My blood platelet dropped to 40,000 and now its back to 400,000. I remember my wife calling me at the hospital, “Don’t die!  You have two kids and a wife.  So fight back! Eat well and drink those medicines!
2. The Longest Serving Youth Pastor!  On January 31, 2009, I had my official installation service at Philippine International Church, Adventist University of the Philippines. Standing before a 2,000 strong  congregation I delivered my first sermon this year  entitled A Youth-Loving Church Ministry. I was already assigned in this church from 2003 to 2006. I'll be serving again as Youth Pastor starting this year till  2011 making me the longest  serving youth pastor of PIC for the time being. As far as I know I am the only ordained youth pastor this church ever had. This should be put on the Guiness book of Records.
3. Just Moved in to my New House!   Just last Wednesday, March 2009, we moved in to the newly renovated pastoral house at Adventist University of the Philippines. It will take us a week to get things unpacked and put at the right place but we are enjoying our new home and my new office.   

Closing thought:  Blogging Daily!  After this long pause I have decided to blog daily to  keep my new congregation and leaders updated about God's direction for his church and ministry.Blessings! Welcome 2009! 

LIFE BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS (Part 2)

Continued….

17. World Conference - I enjoyed my new year in Taipei,Taiwan for a week long celebration of the World Conference on Youth and Community Service.

18. Sponsors - Relatives and friends helped fund my trip to Taiwan. Thanks for the unforgettable experience. Thanks for your sacrifices.

19. Distance Learning - Our church conference has sponsored our distance learning masteral classes. I took 9 units this year.

20. AWE4Him - iDREAM's Praise Team was given this name early this year. It stands for Adoration, Worship, Esteem 4 (4-all four corners of the earth) our Holy, Immutable, Majesty.

21. Bulihan, Silang Crusade - The public evangelism held at Bulihan Silang led to the baptism of 215 souls. AWE4Him led in the praise time.

21. Biga, Silang Crusade - 40 souls surrendered their lives to Jesus through baptism.

22. Iba Church Planting - It all started as a small group. Now it’s growing and envisions to become the largest church in Silang town.

23. New Assignments - Effective Dec 22, I am moving to Adventist University of the Philippines’ church while still being the area 10 (Cavite province) chairman.

24. Church Organization - Batas SDA company was finally organized to Batas Seventh-Day Adventist Church on April 26, 2008.

to be continued....

LIFE BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS (Part 1)

Pssst! Pastor Ardie! How was 2008?

Let me summarize a pastor's life for 2008 according to Gerald L. Borchert: "Jesus is the agent of wholeness, of eternal life, of secure pasture, and of release from the realm of darkness. He is, as the Samaritans confessed, “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42), and here he is the one who provides life to the fullest (John 10:10). The Greek perisson means “that which goes way beyond necessity.” John wanted all his readers to know that the gift of Jesus is life beyond our wildest dreams.

For this year John 10:10 has been my central theme. Check out this text in my favorite versions:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. The NET Bible 1st Edition

A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. The Message

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. NLT

Here are a few of God's surprises for me for the year 2008. Here's to life beyond my wildest dreams:

1. An Awesome God - John 10:10. With you God, life is beyond my wildest dreams
2. Eternal Life - In spite of my shortcomings, Jesus would never let me go.
3. Excitement - Each morning as I wake up, I am excited to start another day.
4. Passion - Although it may dwindle from time to time, my passion for God and ministry
grows each day.
5. Lovely Wife - How would I survive without my heaven-sent angel?
6. Fiona Sedrol - Born July 8, 2008. My second child boasts of being the next Ms.
Universe.
7. Sean Ardis - Why of course my first born leaves me wondering if Einstein was his uncle.
8. Parents - Hmmm. Why are they so patient with me?
9. Siblings - I pray that their journey in life will be Jesus-driven.
10. Ordination - God finally says, “It’s time!” I got ordained as a full-pledge pastor on May 2, 2008.
11. Church - Church still puzzles me and sometimes leave me wounded as a pastor but it will always be the object of God’s love. Jesus calls her his bride.
12. iDREAM - This young professionals organization keeps my passion for ministry alive. Geniuses at work!
13. 1st Gen Macbook - Why this 2 1/2 year old laptop has been instrumental to the baptism of 1,902 souls.
14. Nokia 3120c Phone - Why this cheap 3g phone keeps me connected to the net anywhere in the Philippines.
15. ardisonbernardo.multiply.com - This social network now houses my personal blogs & keeps me in touch with friends.
16. nextgenadventist.blogspot.com - This blog keeps my vision and passion alive of what a new generation Adventist and pastor should be - ever growing, ever changing, ever-reaching the next generation for Christ!

to be continued...

Bored, Confused, Tired: How Are We Going To Spend Life in Eternity

I am presently enrolled in a Masters class under the course title THST 618 Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation). As I am preparing for my exam tomorrow I came across this wonderful book that describes our life in heaven after Christ has taken us all to heaven during His second coming.

Immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love.... Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaus the energies. There the grandest enerprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspiratois reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.

All treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar... With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings.

And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of HIs character. As Jesus opens before them teh riches of redemption and the amazing achivements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy. - Great Controversy, pp. 677, 678.

Do you miss God? Do you honestly want to see Him soon. Well, i can only imagine. Have you lost a love one recently? Are you tired and bored of life? A song that has inspired me a lot for the past years is the song by Mercy Me - I Can Only Imagine - which have been interpreted by countless artists.

When I get tired of living, I pause for a moment and imagine life with God in heaven. How about you?

Why I Need An External Hard Drive

As a pastor who is constantly teaching, preaching, training, writing, developing, and producing multimedia presentations for my congregations, I have no choice to but constantly backup my important files that are products of long nights of work, study, and research.

I use to backup files on CD's and DVD's but for purposes stated below, I prefer external hard drives to backup my files. I have several HD's (two 3.5 at 80 Gs and two 2.5 at 40 Gs) at home. And my office table is becoming cluttered so I am thinking of buying a bigger HD and consolidate them all.

HD Advantages
1. Practical incremental backups - since I am using a Macbook, it's time machine software allows me to do incremental backups as I work. I could not imagine myself using read only optical discs that forces you to backup data in huge chunks. You don't want to waste a 700MB CDR for just 50MB of data. Yet, if they fill it up to get the near full capacity, that may take days or even weeks. If the work/data is that crucial, that's too long to be without recent backups

2. Compatibility - Even if manufacturers promise us that CD's or DVD's have a 100 year life expectancy, there may be a small chance of failure. I have experienced burning something on a certain, when you try to restore it later on using the same PC with the same burner and burner software, the data is mysteriously inaccessible.

3. More sheer capacity - One of the main advantages of backing up on external hds is that they have enough capacity that one wouldn't be forced to backup stuff across 8 DVDs, or 50 CDs. This is actually fine for archives, but for stuff that one needs to access often, it may be quite a chore to have to swap discs all the time

4. Not everyone can just clear out internal hd space- Having an extra hd to dump some keepsake files is helpful to give them more time and space to organize stuff and maybe even burn some of it to permanently relive space from both HDs.

5. Drag and drop interface
You can't beat that. Granted burner softwares are that way too, but there's still the actual process of burning the data, which isn't as quick as to an external hd.

6. Space saver and Time saver - Imagine burning 50 Gig of data on dozens of DVD's. That would take hours of your time. This makes any optical media a totally non-viable backup method, since the cost would be more than a new external hard drive every time and I would need a ton of closet space. And imagine the amount of time you need to sift through you DVD stacks just looking for one file. With HD's, google desktop search or Mac OS X's spotlight enables you to find your files in seconds.

Now my dilemma is finding the best value backup HD that is reliable, fast, and durable. I've had terrible experience with my generic HD external casings. I am thinking of buying a Lacie external hd.

Your advice?

To Quit or To Worship

What is it about You Lord that I should adore? What is it about You that I should praise? When I fail, do You love me less? When I succeed, do You love me more? As your handiwork why have You created me? For what purpose? For what reason?

Lord, You know my heart. I am not perfect. I am not pure. Your presence alone makes me all that I am - perfect in Christ Jesus. You have given me a status so clean. Help me to live clean.

God You are a holy God. In You holiness I cannot stay unclean. Unholy. A holy God only can make a holy person. Make me holy, Father. Help me to live a holy life. That is what I need. That is what I want.

Lord, honestly at times I doubt my calling. I want to open my heart to you. There have been instances when I wonder why I am in the ministry. I often ask myself why do I have to go through all the pressures in this kind of work. But it is more than work I know. It is a calling. That makes all the difference in the world. That transforms my attitude and outlook in life. But whatever one's profession is, we all have been called. Called for the purpose of living for Your glory.

God you know how at times I wanted to quit ministry. I know too of ministers who have already burned out because of too much demands. Ministry, Lord, can really be exhausting. Pressures come from all sides. Anyway, any people-oriented work is really stressful. So perhaps, Lord, that is not an excuse. Besides, You promised to grant me with power and grace. Grace for every moment. Grace for every trial. Grace for every defeat. Grace for every pressure. Grace for every relationship. Grace for every day.

Lord, I am so sorry for trying to run away from You. Instead of running away, let me face that solemn responsibility of drawing your flock closer to your throne. Near to where you are. Keep me patient and humble. Keep me wise. Keep me forever secured in you love.

Almighty God, I just can't help but to wonder at Your grace. Wonder at Your magnificent love. You love me. How can you love a minuscule creation like me in such a vast universe. That is the wonder of Your love. How wonderful You are! Just when I am not at my best, You remind me of Your love that never change. You remind me there is power in your love.

You created me to worship You! Thank you for the privilege. There is power and life when I come to worship and serve You. You are wonderful! Wonderful to look at. Wonderful to serve. Wonderful to love and worship.

A Pastor's Choice

Lord, today is a new day. A new gift. A fresh encounter. Another chance to meet You. Another opportunity to do good. Another day to fill my heart with your goodness. An occasion to celebrate your love. A good time to rejoice in your presence.

Lord, here am I in your presence. Asking for your gracious touch to transform me today. Praying that today you will make me a better pastor, a loving husband, a hardworking minister, a compassionate person, a faithful Christian, a responsible father, and a dependable friend. Pour out your life in me, Lord . Fill this day with many opportunities to break new grounds of ministry and mission. Take me to higher heights of your glory, Lord.

Let the sun’s rays warm my heart and being to live through the day in the spirit of worship. Permit the ground I thread on to become a witness of a life lived faithfully

TODAY, I am making a choice. A choice of eternal value.

Today, I decided to become religiously spiritual. Making God first, last, and best in everything I think, say, and do today. Today’s schedule will be preoccupied by the living, intimate God. A refreshing worship encounter minute by minute.

Today I decided to walk in humility. Yielding my life to the divine control of my Supreme Ruler, Master, CEO, Senior Pastor, and Boss. Respecting my co-workers and church leaders. Submitting my personal rights and sacrificing self for the sake of others.

Today I decided to become God’s wonderful masterpiece of creativity. I will allow God’s voice to shape and mold my thoughts that his mission may find new form, method, and ways of reaching his lost children. I will allow imagination to help jump-start a new ministry. I will think of new ways of doing old things which will be more effective and efficient. My thoughts will be filled with God’s imaginative creativity that molded me into what I was, I am , and will be.

Today I decided to mobilize my God given gifts, skills, and talents to good use. I will allow God to put them to work. I will invest my time for their good use. Harnessing, honing, equipping, and further enhancing my discovered gifts. I will allow the Spirit to give me a chance to discover other gifts and try them out. I will permit the Spirit to start new ministries using my God-given abilities. It will be unselfishly used for the expansion of the kingdom. I offer my heart, my hands, and my feet for the vicious mobilization of the gospel.

Today, Lord, I will go further than just discovering and knowing the spiritual gifts I already have. I will make use of them for a specialized ministry I love to do and enjoy doing.

Today I choose to do things extraordinarily better than what I used to do. I will excel in the area you want me to shine. Lord, I ask that you will help reshape my views of ministry and take me into new circumstances that will put this specialized ministry at work.

Today Lord I will innovate or help reshape an established ministry, introducing better methods, ideas, or forms. And it will be the product of the creative juice you’ve put inside me Lord, teach me to innovate for the sake of a more fruitful and functional ministry. How to do old things in a new manner with a fresh approach. I will not promote visionary innovation for the sake of change but for the sake of growth.

Today, Lord, I will concentrate on my goals. What the mind perceives is what the soul can achieve. And this mind is no longer mine. The mind of Christ is in me. Today I decided to focus only on good thoughts, on my purpose, my mission, my vision, and my Christ. Today I decided to concentrate on what truly matters most leaving no room for the devil to suggest unhealthy thoughts, selfish desires, egocentric behavior, destructive criticisms. And I choose a heart which is driven by the heart of Christ. Let this heart of mine be filled with your divine love.

And in all these,Lord, I resolve to be determined. Determined to live a godly life, exercise firmness in my purpose in life, steadfast resolution to excel.

Today, I decided to have the strength of Your will, the resiliency of Your character, the single-mindedness of focus, steadfastness in my faith, perseverance in life’s trials, commitment and dedication to You and You alone. I live for You alone, Lord. Take me now and help me live out my prayer. For I ask it in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

What Youth Ministry Taught Me

I spent the first 9 years of my pastoral ministry with young people. Four things youth ministry taught me.

1. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a church of young people. We better take youth ministry seriously. As of now the church has no well-established program that meets the needs of young adults and young professionals.

2. Youth ministry is based on relationships. Programs don’t win their hearts. The last thing young people need is a lecture or a sermon. They need a friend. A listening ear. Someone who will pray with them individually. That requires a lot of time. But when young people love you, most likely they will love your Savior. A youth ministry founded on relationships not only becomes appealing and attractive to young people but fruitful as well.

3. Youth Ministry takes risks. Young people are not robots. You have to reason with them and try to explain the Biblical principles behind the rules. God was never a dictator, why would you be one. Explain te why and be consistent. So when they get off the track of traditional views or fall into sin, love them more. ...and show it please.

4. Youth ministry is out of this world. It’s creativity and responsibility. What worked for you back then may not work now. Be innovative. There are a thousand ways of doing old things new. And please give everyone a responsibility. Young people just love being a part of something.

Lifting and Influencing Leaders

All leaders had had their own personal setbacks. I had mine. But instead of brooding over my failures and bitterness of the past I decided I will become an inspiration to the workforce of Central Luzon Conference.

I will resist the temptation of “status-quo-ministry.” I will develop creativity and innovation in my ministry and seek to inspire others to do the same. I will not be stuck with yesterday’s methods and prayerfully discover new ways of delivering the gospel. I will help enhance old procedures become more efficient and effective. I will shun politically-motivated church agenda and activities. I will attempt to look at things from different cultural and ministry perspectives. I will cease to depend on my wisdom and rely entirely upon the outworking and guidance of the Spirit.

I will also cease from waiting for the right opportunities before I improve myself. Instead I will enjoy and improve on the opportunities given me by God so that when the next big wave comes I will be ready for the ride of my life.

I wish to become a blessing to my fellow ministers and in so doing widen the sphere of my influence and friendship. As a leader I will always choose to lift and grow other leaders. So help me, God!

Dealing With Failures

Pastors will do their best to equip members for ministries, yet there will always be problems along the way. There is no fool-proof strategy in ministry. As a pastor I must understand that people make mistakes, are not perfect, fail at times, or may become irresponsible. And that is normal. It’s okay.

But when is okay okay? When do you start telling people that it’s not always okay to be irresponsible? Challenging people to constantly improve themselves?

I don’t have to blame myself when people fail, or backslide, or when they become irresponsible. God is still in control. And when all things fail, I simply need to put them into God’s hand and let him handle the problem. Of course I have a crucial role in helping these people become effective and efficient ministers but I don’t have to blame myself when they do fail.

I do need to become responsible. For their failure might be rooted in my failure to disciple them. I must strive for excellence. And yet I can only go as far as sharing with them what God has revealed to me. I must not be fearful. I can only be bold.