A charge to today’s Pauls, Barnabases and ‘thems’

Trey VanCamp, pastor of Passion Creek Church, Queen Creek, and a fourth-generation Southern Baptist preacher, delivered a charge to the convention from Acts 11:19-30 at the Arizona Mission Network annual meeting, held Nov. 14 at Cross Church, Surprise.

VanCamp provided insight into a pivotal moment in the growth of the early church as the gospel spread to Gentiles and to the uttermost parts of the earth.

He gave three charges to those assembled.

First, he said, “Praise the Lord for the Pauls in the room.”

The Apostle Paul had an amazing ministry, yet despite being arguably the greatest missionary in the history of the church, he spent many years in relative, yet faithful and quiet, obscurity, VanCamp said. In spite of that, he continually sought the face of God.

“I know there are many Pauls in this room, maybe not the theological giants who write parts of the Bible, but those who are serving the Lord in the quiet,” VanCamp said. “Praise the Lord for those in this room who haven’t been given much of a chance and yet you’re still faithful and sowing righteousness.”

Whatever a servant of God deals with, the charge is to never give up, he said.

“The majority of your work produced by faith, labor motivated by love and endurance inspired by hope goes unseen and unnoticed, at least by man,” he said. “But the Lord sees you. May you stay faithful.”

Second, VanCamp said, “We need to praise God for the Barnabases in the room.”

Barnabas was known for his Christ-like character. He was also a humble man who never sought the spotlight, because he fully understood the mission of God was the priority. Barnabas did not care who got the credit.

“It’s not about us, it’s about the King,” VanCamp said. “So whenever we gather together, I’m just reminded of the beauty and necessity of a Barnabas spirit. We’re in a world demanding celebrities, and we need to spur one another on to be servants.”

If we focus on God’s greatness, we can live large in Christ regardless of our name recognition and fame, he said.

“Our call is to be shepherds, to become leaders who are known less by impressing others but more by how we empower others,” he said. “Our convention is at its best when we outdo one another in showing honor and giving others the credit.”

Third, Van Camp said, “Praise the Lord for the ‘thems’ in the room.”

“There are so many thems in the room,” he said. “It’s not good grammar, but it’s really good gospel. We are here for only one name.”

The church serves her role when the King and His kingdom are the goal, he said.

“It’s not about you; it’s not about me,” VanCamp said. “It’s about Christ and Him crucified, who’s the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

Southern Baptists are at their best when they join together and encourage young leaders. It is not about us being heralded, but about Jesus and His good news being remembered.

Philip William Calvert is senior pastor of Trinity Southern Baptist Church in Casa Grande.

Victoria White, a freelance photographer living in San Tan Valley, is the social media strategist for the Arizona Mission Network of Southern Baptists.