Introduction:
Community Bible Church of Olathe is part of the United States Mennonite Brethren Denomination. As I explored this position, I was surprised at how much agreement I had with the USMB. I must admit my ignorance about how broad Mennonite-influenced churches are. I found myself in full agreement not only with the Community Bible Church, Olathe, Statement of Faith, but also with the USMB Confession of Faith.
As I explored the Plant Pastor position with CBCO, I discovered that I needed to be licensed by the USMB. After I submitted these answers and then read Family Matters, I was interviewed by three USMB (Southern Conference) leaders in about a two-hour conversation. That went well and I have been recommended for full licensure.
The following questions and my answers were part of the licensing process.
Attachment to “USMB Ministry Licensing Application and Covenants”
Shaun LePage, June 6, 2023
The following questions are to be answered in the form of a paper, using a clear font. Each question should be answered with at least a paragraph, explaining your personal convictions and beliefs clearly. The paper will likely be 3-5 pages in length, single-spaced.
1. How did you come to faith in Christ?
I grew up in the Roman Catholic religion until the age of 19. My sister, Mary, became a Christian a few years earlier and began sharing her new faith with me. It wasn’t until I entered college myself that I began asking the big questions about purpose and meaning and thus began listening to Mary and her new husband. I began reading the Bible for the first time in my life, and attending some non-RCC churches and parachurch ministries, watching Christian movies and listening to Christian music. I eventually came to the realization that salvation is by faith alone and not by works—or a combination of faith and works. On April 9, 1982, I attended a Russ Taff concert where Russ shared the gospel. After the concert I met Russ, and he led me to pray and receive Christ as my Savior that night.
2. How did you experience God’s call to ministry?
From the moment I was saved I felt strongly that I needed to share Christ with others. That conviction has never subsided. As I’ve studied the Scriptures, I have developed what I call a minority view of the issue of calling. I was first exposed to it in Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen (Chapter 21), and as I’ve studied it personally I now share Friesen’s perspective. Briefly, God “calls” and “gifts” all believers to participate in “the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12; cf., 4:1-4; Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Timothy 6:12, etc.). But, when addressing the kind of people who are to be spiritual leaders for the Church, the Scriptures do not require a “calling” but qualifications, abilities and motivations (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). So, in answer to the question above, as a born again believer, I have understood and experienced God’s call to ministry and have grown and developed over time in my qualifications and abilities. And, and after more than 30 years in ministry, I am still motivated to do the noble task of an overseer and minister of the gospel (1 Timothy 3:1).
3. What are your spiritual gifts?
My spiritual gifts “cluster” around pastor-shepherd, teacher and evangelist. I have taken spiritual gifts tests of various kinds, but my convictions on this issue have primarily been determined over time as I’ve participated in the work of ministry.
4. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
When asked this question, I immediately think of Romans 12:3 and the importance of being “sober” minded (NET, ESV, NIV) about ourselves. It is my intent to respond to this question with neither arrogance nor false humility. In order to be brief, I will limit myself to two strengths and two weaknesses. My first strength is in my love for and grasp of Scripture as well as in my abilities to communicate it through speaking and writing. My second strength is people skills. I believe I am a good communicator and have learned to get along with and lead people in a variety of ways and settings. Having said that, my first weakness is also people skills. I hold people skills as both a strength and a weakness because the skills it takes to minister to people are never mastered and can quickly become a weakness depending on mood, energy level and numerous other factors in the moment. A second weakness is administration. I have learned administrative skills over time—such as money management and scheduling—but they do not come naturally.
