Faithful to the Calling
The Kind of Legacy I Hope to Leave
In a leadership course I’m taking on the Old Testament, we’ve been studying the idea of a Behavioural Epitaph. We’re studying those short Biblical summaries at the end of someone’s life that describe how they walked with God. The assignment asked what kind of legacy we’d want to leave as ministry leaders.
When I think about my ministry legacy, I keep coming back to Moses. His story ends with a simple but powerful summary in Deuteronomy 34:10–12, beginning with this statement:
“There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” – Deuteronomy 34:10 (ESV)
He was known by the Lord, sent by the Lord, and he did what God called him to do. That’s the kind of epitaph any pastor or church leader should want. And yet, my mind drifts toward Moses’ life before his calling.
He was living out in Midian, tending flocks and raising a family. His leadership calling at the burning bush hadn’t happened yet. Truth be told, there’s something about that pre-leadership season that appeals to me. I can picture it clearly. The quiet rhythm of work, the wide-open sky, the simplicity of caring for the land and family. There are definitely days that I crave that life.
Wrestling with the Weight of Calling
That longing usually surfaces when ministry feels heavy. There are moments when I imagine trading meetings and responsibilities. I’d focus on a 9-5 job, fishing, writing, and just being a church member again. Hear me out, I wouldn’t want to be remembered as someone who ran from God’s call. But I understand why some do.
Even Moses wrestled with calling at the burning bush. He doubted himself, questioned God’s plan, and hesitated before stepping forward. Still, God met him there. And He’s been doing the same with me, like a Good Father. He’s patient in my sorrow, gracious with my weakness, and kind enough to remind me that He’s not finished yet.
Leading Through Faithfulness
I want to be known as someone who trusted God like that. Someone who led his congregation well, who loved the people God gave him, and who stayed focused on the mission and vision set before him.
There have been challenges and wounds along the way. And yet, God’s used those to deepen my faith and soften my leadership. Over time, I’ve witnessed spiritual growth and significant life-change in our church. I’m so grateful for that!
My Behavioural Epitaph
As part of this reflection, I wrote a personal behavioural epitaph. This is my attempt to summarize how I’d hope to be remembered if my story of leadership were recorded.
Jeremy was known by the Lord and trusted Him as a good Father: patient with his sorrow and gracious in his weakness.
He was called to shepherd God’s people and remained faithful through every season, whether fruitful or weary.
He walked with God through joy and hardship, steady in the call he received.
He preached Christ, taught Scripture, and led with a steadfast heart.
He journeyed with his congregation through growth and trial, bearing wounds yet holding fast to his calling.
He longed for a simpler life in God’s creation, yet always returned to the ministry God set before him.
He believed that legacy is shaped through a lifetime of faithfulness, however long the Lord allows.
And he rested as a man known by God, sent by God, and faithful to the calling he was given.
Join the Conversation; Answer This Question
- When life or ministry feels heavy, what helps you stay faithful to the calling God’s placed on your life?
