Sharing a few things from 45+ years in ministry.
By Rick Shallenberger, Editor
I will retire in mid-January, and as I look back at my 45+ years in ministry leadership, which includes 40 years of full-time employment with GCI, I am amazed at the opportunities and blessings God has invited me to participate in. I’ve been blessed to write for numerous publications, pastor several different congregations, travel the world sharing God’s love and life with others as I’ve taught Christian Living at our youth camps, theology and leadership to multiple leadership teams, co-authored a book with our GCI president, and served as a regional director for the past decade. I’d be hard-pressed to focus on a highlight because there have been so many.
When deciding what I’d like to write about for my final column as Equipper editor, I considered numerous topics. Eventually, I decided the best thing is to share a few key verses that God has brought to my attention on numerous occasions and some subsequent lessons.
John 13:34 — “A new commandment I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Here Jesus didn’t replace the two great commandments, He showed us how to love God and love one another by His example. When Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man says He gives us a “new commandment” it’s something to pay attention to. May God help me love like Him for the rest of my days.
Colossians 3:1-3 — “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” This passage has encouraged me through the many times I was focused too much on the here and now, and not enough on Jesus.
Ephesians 1:4-6 — “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” There were many times the Holy Spirit had to remind me that He has made me whole (holy) in Christ, that I live in grace, and that I am loved. These truths will continue to encourage and empower me to continue in whatever ministry He leads me to.
Galatians 5:1, 22-23 — “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Growing up in a legalistic cult, I relish the freedom I have in grace. Not freedom to do, but to be – to be free to know and worship a God who loves me and chose me to be in Him before the foundation of the world. No law, rule, or regulation will ever keep me from living in that truth. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Romans 8:1-2, 31, 38-38 — “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” I lived many years in condemnation — brought about by bad theology and my focus on the self. But Jesus brought me to Himself by reminding me that God is for me. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Further, God reminds me of His love for me. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
There are so many other passages I could name that God has used to remind me to stay focused on Him, to not think too highly of myself, and to use my time and energy to love Him and to love others. He continually reminds me He is my Abba, my brother, my counselor, my king, my hope, my refuge, my strength, my comfort, and my Savior.
And He is yours. Keep looking up to Father, Son and Spirit. Put on His armor of truth, faith, readiness, and righteousness as you hold fast to your salvation. You are beloved, so be loved.
May God continue to bless you, your ministry, and your family.
P.S. One of the blessings of looking toward retirement is having the opportunity to decrease so others may increase. I am confident the next editor will make Equipper better than it’s ever been. Look for an introduction of the new editor in the January issue.
Thank you for all your loving service, Rick!
This is a great set of scriptures! Best wishes as you transition to a new phase of life.
Hello Rick my dear friend for ever,
What a great little article you have given us, so full of love, joy and lasting
encouragement ..
I remember well our daily prayers together while we worked on Youth Magazine .. and today Dec 3rd is the day I set aside for prayer and study some days ago not knowing that it would be the day I would read your ‘looking back’ article.
As I look back all I can say is thank you for being such a great friend and partner.
We send our love knowing that the Lord is not finished with you yet. Roger Lippross.
Rick, it seems you’ve been almost omnipresent in WCG/GCI ministry endeavors over the decades. Such a varied career that has blessed so many others. Thank you for being sensitive to the Spirit’s lead so far—and you’re not finished yet. Exciting to find out where God is directing your steps to walk in His footsteps into your future years.
Thank you for the 45 years of ministry leadership in our fellowship. I started in full time ministry on September 16th 1996, some 28 years ago. Much has happened during that period and I am thankful to the Lord for every service year. Rick, I pray that new and exciting doors will open to you in the “next phase” of your service. It will be great to see what God has in mind for you 😊
Have a great Advent and a blessed Christmas!
Rick, thanks for your many years of service during which you have shown a willingness to step up and serve in many different roles – and always done that with a desire to befriend people, learn from others and share what you have with others. Welcome to the exciting and rewarding world of retirement!
Thank you Rick for your 45 years of service! “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
You have been a huge blessing to me and so many – personally and through your writing. Thank you for your years of service and friendship. Come visit us in Denver!!
Rick, thanks for all your years of service. I have only known you for a short time, but that did not stop you from allowing me the pleasure to fall prey to your deep humor. Thanks for that! And from what I hear, retirement only means ‘more work without restraint’!! Enjoy your life with the family.
Brother Rick… I look back and delight in the many things we were able to accomplish in ministry and extend my heartfelt appreciation for your faithfulness, as well as your willingness to step into the trials we endured together. Love and blessings from the Tkach family, Joseph
Thank you, Rick, for your talented, encouraging words over the years..your compassionate, caring ways. I’ve enjoyed your writing very much! I have been a member since October, 1976. Praise be to Our Loving, Triune God. The guidance of The Holy Spirit’s power working in you!
Wishing you all the best in retirement Rick, and thanks for your years of faithful service. Your writing, messages and leadership have been a great blessing to our fellowship over the decades. Still a lot of life ahead, now and forever.
Thank you for your service. It has meant a lot and you have inspired many by your dedication to God.
Thank you, Rick. Your love for Jesus and for all people inspired those of us you have served. Nancy and I send a “Merry Christmas!” to you and your family.
Brother Rick….I truly appreciated the love and guidance, encouragement and some fun trips we shared (Ottawa for one) you poured out to my wife and to me… as a friend, fellow pastor and my district/regional pastor. Thank you so much…and as Brother Charles said…welcome (soon) to the amazing retired life. You are loved and deeply appreciated.
We Thank God for you…Thank you for all you do… Thank you for you… Blessings
“Legalistic cult” is a termed that needs to be defined. We have several versions of our “experiential walk” with Jesus in WCG/GCI. All denominations have a list of rules that one must do and what one must not do. Eventually all shall be judged by what one “has done”. Blessings to you sir and thanks from someone who was baptised by a WCG minister “to Christ” in 1980. Often it depends on how we are led, what we paid attention to, and our grasp of the “big picture”
Thank you for everything you have done over the last 45 years Rick – it has been greatly appreciated!
Hello Rick, you don’t know me because we have never met in person. But I am looking forward to meeting you one day, whether it is before or after Jesus’s glorious Return. I was baptised in 1966. The place was the baptismal pool of the Brickett Wood College in the Uk. Plunged under by one of the Botha brothers, Dan. I never attended the college as a student. It was a beautiful campus. My first church venue was Dennison House, Victoria, London where Robin Jones and Charles Hunting were pastors. We are blessed and privileged to be associated with a very exciting fellowship which has been transformed by Jesus Christ from being a legalistic denomination to a trinitarian, Christ centred church. Blessings to you and family, and all the best with your retirement. Sherwin Scott
Hi Rick, congratulations on your retirement and your many years of service in sharing the good news of the Kingdom. You are a great friend and a brother in Christ. From our family to yours, Tom and Sandy.
It’s been a blessing working with you, Rick. I’m so grateful for all you have poured out in Jesus’ name. I wish you all the best going forward.
Hi, Rick.
Thanks for all your years of ministry. I’m sure many have been blessed by your ministry over the years. Special thanks, too, for all the “equipping” you’ve done over the last few years.
May God continue to bless you, your ministry (which will continue) and your family. Best regards to you and yours always. One love!
I thank the good Lord for you. I’ve always looked up to your messages. I also benefited reading them. This period calls for celebration and Thanksgiving to the good Lord that made it possible. My prayer is that the good Lord will continue to use you in areas He alone knows best. Wishing you a joyful retirement. Remain blessed.
CONGRATULATIONS!
45 years! What a tremendous blessing! I first read and heard your name when I received my first copy of Youth Magazine back in the 80s! And what a privilege it was to finally meet you when you visited the Philippines with Joseph Tkach and Tim Sitterley in 2018. That was such an awesome time with the three of you during the national leadership retreat. We thank God for all that He has accomplished in your life. Looking forward to hearing where God will take you next. Blessings! Rex and Sheila