One of the blessed joys of ministering to East Point Church is serving with the men God has so graciously brought together.  These men are strong, yet teachable; humble, yet courageous.  They listen, yet will speak their mind.  For a church planter they are God’s reminders of His care for my needy soul.  One such man is Philip Duncanson.

The coming Sunday we will have the joy of licensing Philip for the gospel ministry.  while every Christian is call to the minstry of the gospel in both word and deed, God has in His providential care given to the church elders, pastors, and teachers with the gifts of preaching and teaching the Word for the growth and edification of the church.  Philip is one such gift.  East Point Church is glad God has given him to us and we would like for you to celebrate his calling with us.

Recently I asked Philip some questions concerning his life and ministry.  Below is the first half of the questions and answers.  Tomorrow I hope to share the rest.  Hopefully these will give you some insight into why we thank God so much for him.

1.  Tell us about your family.  You are a husband and a father.

That’s right! I have been married to Allison for 6 ½ years and have three wonderful children.  Allison is a wonderful mother and wife and has indeed encouraged me more than anyone I know.  I thank God that she is my wife and look forward to growing old with her.  We are the stewards of three gifts; Ayden 4, Elise 3, and Presley 1.  I have come to understand that raising a family is hard work, but it is rewarding work and one that brings me great joy.

2.  When did you first sense a call to gospel ministry?

When God rescued me at the age of 19, He had me in an environment where I could immediately share the Gospel.  I had the privilege of sharing Christ with students, inmates and anyone who was willing to listen.  It was then that I believe God was cultivating in me a heart for ministry.  I knew God did not save me to sit and live a comfortable life and so whatever opportunity I had to serve the kingdom I jumped at it.  It hasn’t been until the last 4 years that God has been deepening in me a love for His Church and a desire to see her washed and made whole through the Gospel.

3.  What have you read or heard that really encouraged you in this call?

First a couple of books.  John Pipers book, “Don’t Waste your Life”. This book really challenged me to trust that the best place for me to be was in ministry and that all the hesitations and excuses that often came to mind were not valid and that for me wasting my life would be shying away from the gifts God gave me to edify His Church.  The second book is a compilation of authors, “Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea For Preaching.” This book helped me to understand the weight of the call and the need for sound biblical preachers in the church; and I desired to be one.  Lastly, I have been blessed to have wonderful Godly men pour into my life; those who have been in the ministry and those who are not.  It is these men that I have listened to and observed over the years and whether they realized it or not they have all encouraged me in this call and I thank God for them.

(to be continued…)