So, You've Answered The Call?? Now What??

About the Book

The title of this book, So You’ve Answered The Call, Now What? speaks first to me. I want nothing more than to serve God and His people; my passion is for Christ and the salvation of His people. I asked myself what are the steps or the process that will lead to a successful and faithful ministry; be it ordained ministry or lay ministry in the sight of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

What steps are necessary to ensure a healthy balance between family and ministry? What are the steps to be fully present with your family and fully present in the service of God?

The call to Christian Ministry, in my opinion, is the highest calling there is. It is more than a vocation and even at its best can be very challenging, rewarding and at the same time can be mentally, physically and spiritually draining.

Ministry can also be exhilarating and can also be lonely. It is full of joy and at times it can bring rivers of tears that no box of tissues can dry up.Ministry in itself is a paradox. The simple act of service can bring you to a place of needing to be served.

It is my hope and fervent prayer that this book will serve you the reader as another tool you can place in your ministry tool box, to bring you closer to the awesome privilege and high honor of serving God with your whole heart, mind, body and soul.

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings always!!!

The Rev. Andrew L. Foster, III., M.Div.
Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church

About the Author

The Reverend Andrew L. Foster, III., M.Div.

Rev. FosterÕs mission in life is to worship, honor and praise His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with his whole being! He wants nothing less than to give his all to Him; spending time with Him alone in prayer and in personal devotion reading His Word. God has blessed him with the most precious gift, his wife, and First Lady, Mrs. Lorraine V. Foster. His personal mission as a husband is to honor and protect her and love her as Christ loves the church. Being a godly father is the most important stewardship with which he has been entrusted.Rev. Foster strives to be the man and the father God has ordained, by living a life that is worthy of emulation for his children. Personal holiness and spiritual integrity are non-negotiables in his life. His on-going mission in life is to be the loving, servant leader God has called him to be.

Rev. Andrew L. Foster, III is a native of Philadelphia, receiving his early education in the South Jersey School System. He is the 6th generation of Methodist pastors. He served in the United States Air Force for over 7 years as an Administrative/Management Specialist. He is a graduate of Peirce College in Philadelphia, receiving an Associate in Science Degree in Business Management, a graduate of Rutgers University in Camden, receiving a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Political and Computer Science, and is a graduate of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, PA, receiving a Masters in Divinity. Rev. Foster continues to avail himself to any and all continuing education workshops and seminars that will further strengthen his commitment to Òstudy to show thyself approved.Ó

Rev. Foster was the first African American pastor to serve at Clearview United Methodist Church (a multi-cultural appointment), located in the Eastwick section of Philadelphia.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, Rev. Foster facilitated the non-existent Adult Bible Study and Sunday School ministries. He also served as the Assistant Pastor at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, alongside, his spiritual father, Rev. Dr. Alfred S. Maloney, now a district superintendent in the East District of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Rev. Foster was very active in the youth ministry, visitation of sick and shut in members, assisting and leading Bible Study, preaching/teaching and creating relationships in the community. Rev. Foster, has served as the Associate Pastor of Janes Memorial U.M. Church in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, PA. He is currently Senior Pastor of Grace Community UMC in the city of Chester, PA.

Rev. Foster is blessed to be married to his best friend and partner in ministry, Lorraine Foster.They have three sons, Nathaniel, Andrew IV., and Joshua, one daughter, Loretta, and one granddaughter, Angel and one grandson, Andrew V. Rev. Foster believes in the beginning God created relationships. He is a family man and a people person. Rev. Foster is blessed to have a gift of listening and spiritual discernment.

Rev. Foster finds encouragement knowing that the Lord has called him to preach the good news to all people in all places. (Luke 4:18,19) Rev. FosterÕs favorite scripture verses are: Proverbs 3:5,6 ÒTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths,Ó and Proverbs 3:27 Ò Do not withhold good from them that deserve it when it is in your power to render aid.Ó

Rev. Foster starts off his day with a prayer that helps to keep him focused and humbled in ministry:

ÒGood Morning Lord; this is Your day. I am Your child, show me Your way. WhatÕs on the agenda for today? Can I be a part of it? To be of service to You and Your people.Ó

His hobbies are reading, computers, electronic gadgets, music, roller skating, bowling, good Christian conversation and spending quality and quantity time with his family.