Gaithersburg, MD >> Continuing the "next generation" theme, this final installment in our series features Phil Sasser and his son, Nathan. Phil is senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Apex, North Carolina. Nathan, who has a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary, assists Jeff Purswell, Dean of the Pastors College, in research and in the development of theological resources for Sovereign Grace Ministries.
Phil Sasser
My encouragement to Nathan has not been, specifically, to become a pastor or a church planter. My encouragement has been 3 fold: First, and foremost, to be devoted to the study of God's word. Second, to be committed to the local church and to serve in whatever way is needed. Third, allow others to assist in accessing his gifts and calling. Pastoral ministry is indeed a noble calling but there are many other ways to serve. Pastoral ministry includes gifting, character, and hard work. Nathan has excelled in the latter two and it remains to be seen if he has the necessary gifting.
Nathan's experience has differed significantly from my own. I was converted as an adult and was soon thrown into leadership positions. My lack of the study of sound doctrine, particularly, the doctrine of sin, became fairly evident. There was a lot of "trial and error" and much more error than was necessary. God gave much grace, but my growth was still comparatively slow. Nathan, on the other hand, was raised in an atmosphere of sound teaching and he has grown at a much faster rate and in God's good providence he has avoided many of my errors. Being raised in Sovereign Grace Church has meant that he was given a strong doctrinal foundation which was a great help to him when he furthered is studies in Seminary. And, I think that Nathan has been greatly blessed by seeing good examples of Christian service in the local church.
C.J.'s example has been very helpful to me in many ways, including his humility and wisdom in investing in the next generation. About 10 years ago, when I first heard C.J. talking publicly about training the next generation of leaders, I thought "what in the world is he doing?" But over the years, his wisdom in this area has been borne out many times. The Pastors college has produced so many outstanding men who are so very well trained. But C.J.'s humility and wisdom and example in actually appointing a young man such as Joshua to lead Covenant Life speaks even louder than his preaching. It has given older guys like myself greater faith to "pass the baton" to our very gifted younger leaders. In so doing, we can approach the future with confident expectation that the God's people will be well taken care of and that mission that we began so many years ago, will continue to the Glory of God and not man.
Nathan Sasser
Did you grow up in your dad's church?
Basically.
How have your dad and your church made ministry attractive to you as a vocation?
Dad considers pastoral ministry is the highest calling on earth. He humbly treats his position as a stewardship entrusted to him by the Lord, and for which he will give an account to his Master, not as something to which he is entitled, and not as means for personal gratification. His greatest joys are to see people's lives changed by the gospel. To that end Dad not only exposits God's Word to them with reverent care but also loves them faithfully and sacrificially. He loves people much more than he craves their approval. Over the long haul this has won the deep respect of everyone who knows him well. The evidently changed lives of the members of Sovereign Grace Church are the fruits and proof of Dad's faithful labors. I hear about pastors who get burned out or cynical about ministry but as far as I can tell Dad has only gotten more joyful and self-forgetful in his work.
How did you come to serve Jeff Purswell? What school did you attend and what is your degree?
Dad always encouraged all of his kids in whatever their interests were and whatever their sense of vocation might be. In high school I was interested in theology and so Dad spent countless hours explaining things to me and gave me a lot to read. In college I wanted to major in philosophy and English so I could pursue apologetics or writing, and to my surprise Dad completely supported that, despite the obvious impracticality. After college I wanted to go to seminary, even though I wasn't sure what I would do with the degree. Again, Dad enthusiastically supported this option, despite the obvious impracticality. (I'm not sure Dad would say that these were completely wise decisions, in retrospect!). During seminary Dad strongly urged me to talk to Jeff to get counsel about careers after graduation. Jeff graciously had lunch with Dad and I, and Jeff brought up the possibility of an internship. Serving Jeff and Sovereign Grace far exceeded all my hopes for post-seminary life, and I owe that largely to Dad's encouragement. (I attended N.C. State University and Westminster Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity)).
Filed In: Leaders | Email this link | Printer-friendly version
