Jesus Uses Humble and Zealous People

Jesus looked for humble people who had a genuine zeal for God – regardless of their background. Jesus looked for people with potential and passion. He often used unpolished people who were willing to be shaped and molded into His image. Jesus chose from the ranks of faithful workers and not necessarily form the ranks of professional clergy.

That is good news for a man like me. My parents are Dick and Jane (no we didn’t have a dog named Spot) My dad was a diesel mechanic and my mom was an elementary school teacher.

As the son of a mechanic and a school teacher, I’m glad that Jesus often uses unpolished people in the leadership of His church. I don’t come from the world of academia or from a family filled with clergy members.

I grew up spending time in the shop with my dad and grading papers at night with my mom. I went to Bible college (and I think Biblical education for vocational teaching pastors is extremely helpful), but I don’t come from the ranks of professional clergy. In fact, I’m the only Stafford currently serving in the pastorate.

In the Bible, Jesus often chose people from unlikely backgrounds. After spending some time with Him, these people (in the Bible) began to display a remarkable, Holy-Spirit-powered ability in the ministry. Jesus’ band of disciples quickly rose from humble beginnings, as fishermen and tax collectors, to emerge as spiritual leaders who truly changed the world.

About the Author: Mark Stafford

Pastor Mark Stafford served on staff at Canyon Bible Church of Prescott Valley for almost 6 years. He and his wife, Lara, felt called to church planting and Canyon of Prescott Valley sent them to plant a new Canyon Bible Church in the Verde Valley. Mark is a graduate of the Biblical Studies department at Arizona Christian University with highest honors and has served for more than a dozen years in full-time pastoral ministry. Mark loves music and is an active musician playing electric and string bass, acoustic and electric guitar, & keyboard. He has served with several professional Christian touring groups and has been nominated for a Dove award. Pastor Mark is currently bi-vocational while he plants Canyon Verde. He owns a small printing and design company called Ablaze Media. When he is not preaching, leading small groups, playing music or designing graphics, you might find him in his F250 cruising around the back roads of the local national forests, cycling with his sons on the streets around the Verde Valley, or running in a 10K. Pastor Mark and Lara have 4 children and have been married for over 15 years.