It was already getting late one spring night in 1991, as a friend and I started to make our way home from Winona Lake, IN. As we traveled, we discussed an idea I had to begin a revival ministry based out of Columbus, OH. As we talked about how and when we would start this new ministry, I shared with him what God had already been doing over the last few months.
• I believed God was calling me away from my current youth pastorate into this new adventure of ministry.
• I had discussed this idea with the Elders of our church, and they affirmed this effort as from God.
• A Christian attorney and friend was researching the specifics on how to incorporate a non-for profit organization.
• Godly men were responding positively to my invitations to serve as board members of this new ministry.
• People had already begun to donate money to help us get started.
It was all so wonderful and exciting. God was really demonstrating this blessing on all of our hopes.
The four hour drive home was going quickly. Our conversation was good for my heart and stimulating to my mind. What would we call this new ministry? Deciding on a name that would fully describe our ministry was both exciting and challenging. I had a passion for revival in our churches, and to be part of God’s special working in my lifetime among church people. It thrilled me to imagine a great awakening in the church, here in the U.S.A. and around the world.
That’s it! Not just for me, but to encourage others along the way to finish well too. Finish Line, Finish Line Ministries. I yelled, “Bob, open the glove compartment - and get that napkin and pen, and write down ‘Finish Line Ministries’.” My friend scribbled the name down and held our new name safely in his hand, until we reached Columbus.
Once home and several months later, I began to meet with the Finish Line board. This group of nine were all godly men of faith. Throughout our meetings, we had many thought provoking and prayerful discussions. One of the most challenging early decisions was to not charge fees for the preaching of the Word of God. A love offering based ministry simply was not typical to most Christian organizations. Still, these men based their decision on the Word of God (I Cor. 9:17-18), and God provided, and still continues to provide.
Oh yes, there have been times when our funds were depleted, and we did not have any money in our account. I remember once, early on (when I was the only employee) it happened. Our board met to discuss and pray for God’s direction. One board member made the move to cover my pay check through his own personal bank account – I declined. We discussed that the men of the board were not the ministries’ lone provider. Let’s go to God and ask Him for help and provision. We all knelt around the table and prayed for a long time. Through that prayer, we recommitted ourselves to the Lord, and acknowledged that He was the one who had raised up Finish Line. After praying, we made practical housing arrangements for me (if things did not get better). The next day, God provided the funds, abundantly and outside the circle of the board. I have witnessed this kind of miracle by God several times in the last fourteen years.
What a wonderful work God has done. He has been faithful to call us to many churches and organizations. What a miracle it is that pastors are willing to share their pulpit and people with us. Their friendship to this ministry has been God’s affirmation of our existence and of the hope that Christian leaders are still passionate for revival.
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