“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children” (Eph. 5:1).
At Faith Bible Training Center we have several classes that are designed for ministers only. In these classes we have seasoned ministers as well as others who are just starting their ministry careers. Over the years, one thing that I have noticed is that most young ministers fall into one of two categories.
The first group consists of those who want to be the first person on earth to preach a new revelation. They are constantly looking for something in the Word that no one has ever found. They may listen to instruction, but they don’t want to be like anyone else. To imitate someone or to preach another man’s sermon would be totally out of the question.
In the second category are the ministers who have a “favorite minister.” These students tend to pattern their ministry after their hero. Sometimes I think it is a little humorous when I hear them even try to talk with the same accent.
Several years ago I even knew of a man who tried to wear the same type of clothes, comb his hair the same way, fold his hands the same way and speak the same way as his “hero” minister. Even though this may be humorous to some, it’s very serious to the young minister.
How About A Little Of Both?
God intends for us to have the characteristics from both groups. He wants us to constantly seek new revelation in His Word and He wants us to glean from the wisdom of great men and women of God.
Paul said 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” First Kings 19 tells the story of how Elisha followed Elijah and received a double anointing. We must be willing to submit and learn from our elders in the church while we are totally submitted to God Himself.
Being a ministry “Lone Ranger” or being a blind follower of another man are both ditches on either side of the road that we must avoid. However, we must seek God privately and we must imitate God and godly men and women. This will allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and through us.
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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.