Allen Featherstone: Equipping others to spread the gospel & make an impact

This summer, Allen Featherstone will have been youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Covington two years. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on ministry. To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated minister to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured, click here.

Background

• Where else have you served in ministry, and what were your positions there?

First Baptist Church in Covington is my first church in which I have been on staff. I really began working with youth at my home congregation, First Baptist Church of Alvarado.

• How did you come to faith in Christ?

Growing up in a Christian household, I accepted Christ at 9 years of age, realizing I needed forgiveness. I really began to follow and pursue Christ in my late junior high to early high school years.

• Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?

I currently am studying at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a bachelor of arts degree in humanities and biblical studies, which will lead me to pursue a master of divinity degree. Before going to Southwestern, I studied through Liberty University’s distance program.

Ministry/church

• Why do you feel called into ministry?

God often calls insignificant people as myself to serve in ways that are not expected. I am called to pastoral ministry. A calling that, growing up, neither I—nor anyone else—ever expected.

I feel God has called me to play a part in equipping others to spread the gospel and make an impact wherever they are planted. I know God has called me to assist others in growing their personal walk with Christ.

• What is your favorite aspect of ministry? Why?

Being in youth ministry, I sometimes say, “I get paid to play!” Youth ministry does have its tough aspects and times, but my favorite part is spending time and building relationships with youth that, I hope, will help point them and encourage them to grow in their walk with Christ.

• What one aspect of ministry gives you the greatest joy?

In ministry as a whole, whether it be youth, adults or children, I love seeing when the word of God penetrates their heart, and the joy and enlightenment it brings to them.

• How has your ministry or your perspective on ministry changed?

As I look back on the past year and a half, I realize that I may have felt like I was doing something in the first six months of this ministry. But in reality, I was evaluating the ministry, seeing how people reacted to certain things, and I was developing a vision. I realize that to create an effective ministry, one must be patient in evaluation and with people.

The ministry of the youth has definitely changed, one in which we are more devoted to the word of God as we are together on a weekly basis.

• If you could launch any new ministry—individually, through your congregation or through another organization—what would it be? Why?

I would love to launch a ministry within the church that trains people to do missions. I want us to take the Great Commission more seriously in our churches and spend more resources, whether that be time or money, and train up people to effectively share the gospel wherever they are.

• What do you wish more laypeople knew about ministry or, specifically, your ministry?

I am glad I found out early in the ministry, but I wish people knew how much time and how dedicated one must be to the ministry. Ministry is tough—especially in the aspect of feeling like everything in your day is coming against you, but in reality, it is God blessing you by preparing you to minster to others in the midst of their own hardship.

About Allen

• What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?

It is tough to answer this question, but when asked, I always go to 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5. Paul is writing to a young pastor regarding how powerful the word of God is—relating it to God’s breath, thus leading into some of the hardships of ministry and through it all to keep your head in all situations and to discharge all the duties of the ministry God has called you to!

• Who is your favorite Bible character (other than Jesus)? Why?

Paul is my favorite Bible character. Paul was a man in the ministry! When I read any of his letters, a new fire is ignited within me to do whatever I have to in order to make an impact in the church and wherever I am in my typical day.

• What is the ideal church member/youth group member?

Many come to church, and fortunately at my church, many are dedicated to specific ministries, but my ideal church member is one who shows dedication to showing up and conversing with me regarding their walk with Christ, one who ties into the church by serving, giving and one who simply pursues Christ on a daily basis.

My ideal youth group member is one who shows dedication to Christ by the way they act, talk and walk and one who is developing a sense of conviction. A youth member who converses and asks questions about all topics or things they may be going through is one who is progressing in their spiritual growth.