Fanning the Flame

By the Rev. Dr. Peter J. Scaer

As we work, or at times, laze our way through the dog days of July and August, my mind turns back to the things of summer youth: swimming, hiking, camping, and, of course, campfires. As for me, I never was a Boy Scout and never had formal lessons in starting campfires, but I did learn a few things along the way. For one, I learned that a good campfire needs tinder for starting, as well as bigger sticks and logs to keep the fire going. But a good fire also needs plenty of air, oxygen to fuel the fire¹s flames and keep it from smouldering out.

So, today, I would like to remind you of the words of Paul, given to a young pastor. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul writes, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of hands." Paul here is referring to Timothy¹s ordination into the Holy Ministry. Through the laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God continues to call men into the ministry to serve as the shepherds of His flock, the overseers of His Church, and the stewards of His good Gospel gifts. When St. Paul urges Timothy to ³fan into flame the gift of God,² he is encouraging Timothy to be continually renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, even as a flame takes in oxygen. In other words, he wants Timothy to be continually called back to his love for God, to continually be fed and nourished by the very Scriptures and words of Christ in which he has been ordained and sent to preach.

Now, there may be some of you who, even now, sense that you are being called by the Holy Spirit to a life of ministry. If so, I would urge you, in the words of St. Paul, to fan the gift which is in you. In other words, nurture and feed that good desire to serve in God¹s Church. Remember that the harvest is plentiful and that the workers are few. Remember that there are many sheep who need to be cared for, and still others who need to be brought into God¹s pen. And, if you have an inkling that God may be calling you to be a pastor, begin, even now, to prepare yourself for such a calling.

How can you do this? For starters, take your academic studies seriously. The mind which you have been given is a gift from God, to be used to His glory and to the benefit of your neighbor. Therefore, take courses which truly exercise your mind, and make it stronger. Not all that many years ago, would-be pastors would take Greek, Latin, German, and Hebrew before they even entered the seminary! If you can take one or more of these languages in high school and college, do so. Then you will be able to read not only the Bible in its original languages, but also you will be able to enjoy the great authors of Christianity, and of our own Lutheran heritage. You may also be thinking about taking a language like Spanish, so that you can serve our church in its own North American mission field.

Besides languages, now is a good time to learn a little history. Take a class in ancient Roman and Greek civilization, so that you better understand the world in which our Lord lived. Fill yourself up with history, culture, and even art. A class on public speaking would be a benefit as well. All of these things will help you be prepared for serving the Lord, whether or not you finally decide to take the plunge and answer our Lord¹s call into the ministry.

Most importantly, you can also fan the flame by continuing your theological studies. Don¹t let confirmation be your graduation from serious biblical study. Continue to be involved in the life of your local congregation. Take part in its efforts at evangelization. As for college, you may want to consider attending one of the Concordias. Or, if you attend a public university, hook up with the local LCMS campus ministry. Attend the Bible studies which the campus chaplain offers. Don¹t be afraid to ask questions and to go deeper into issues you care about. Listen to the preaching of your pastor, receive the Holy Supper, and in this way let God¹s Spirit work to fuel the flame of your calling.

The Rev. Dr. Peter J. Scaer is professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.