After attending Southwest Baptist University and majoring in religion, I followed the call of man to pastor a medium-sized Southern Baptist church in a little town in Central Missouri.
It was a status symbol to be fresh out of University and already have a church. I referred to it as “my church”! They were “my people”! But the deacons were not “mine.” I belonged to them.
It was very difficult to preach a good sermon in those days, mainly because I didn’t have any. Each Sunday as the service ground to a close, I would call on one of the elderly saints to pray and I would quietly slip out while every head was bowed and every eye was closed, to the back door.
I took my position next to the coat rack and one by one I shook the hands of the farmers as they left and tried to make small talk. I was a city boy and I knew very little about farming. One lady, every week, made the same comment to me as she departed from the church. She would say, “Keep it up and one of these days you’ll make a good preacher.” I was overcome by the great encouragement I received!
When I would get to the car to leave, things didn’t get any better. Loretta, my wife, loved me but she is full of the truth of God. I honestly feel that a lie has never passed over her lips. When I would ask her, “How did I do today?” there would be great silence.
While I was the young pastor of this church, I did the best I could, but I was nervous and scared but I did what I was supposed to do to fulfill the position that I thought I was supposed to have.
Decades later I’m the pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church. I am the happiest man on earth. I love what I am doing and lives are being changed. Thousands are being affected through this ministry each week. I love going to the office. I love preaching and teaching. In short, I’m having the time of my life.
So what’s the difference? The difference is this. Years ago I was following a pattern of what I thought religious men wanted me to do. It may seem strange, but you can do good things and still not be at peace if God hasn’t called you to that work.
Today I am doing something God called me to do. I listen to Him. He’s my boss and He treats His employees well.
So the conclusion is this: If you are in the ministry and the burden is heavy, it’s not God. The task and the calling can be enormous and international in scope. But if you are in His will, the burden will be light and the yoke will be easy.
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:29-30).
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.