print: Pastor Chad Rankin / Interview / May, 2007 on BlackGospel.com, Your Gospel Music Ministry Source!

Interview with Pastor chad Rankin
May 2007, BlackGospel.com by Christopher Heron

Christopher Heron: As I review your academic accomplishments, I see a natural gravitation towards biblical and theological studies. What factors or experiences inspired you to concentrate your studies on the word of God?

Pastor Chad Rankin: There is a biblical foundation for men and women of God to be trained for service. In the 21st century church there is no excuse for the teacher of God's word to not be trained. I believe that if our job is to equip the people of God we need to be equipped. What inspired me was a group of men who honor the truth of the text without making God's word say something that it doesn't just to prove a point which in term can be misleading the people of God.

CH: And what are some of the telling signs you received from God that he was calling you out for a life in ministry?

CR: It might surprise some but I did not have a real visible sign except my hunger for God's word was taking over my hunger to gratify my flesh. It was the scariest thing that I've ever felt because there are so many uncertainties. I feared the lost of friends and a lost of my worldly identity. I consulted with my Pastor and he counseled me through understanding my calling, however he did not play God by denying my calling or confirming it. He was a wise man.

CH: Most ministers who accept their divine calling will testify that a life in ministry is a difficult life but a rewarding life. As you reflect back on your life in ministry, what have been the very practical and spiritual consequences of surrendering all your time, energy and talents to God?

CR: It is often said in theological circles that it took 40 years for Moses to find out that he was a nobody and 40 more years to find out that God uses nobody. The best challenge is the continuous growth process. People have to understand that knowledge by itself is not growth, however you can't grow without it. I have learned that God's people will force you to grow. When a member is hurting and in need of a solution they don't need my opinion but they do need the Word of God. One of the things I have learned is to study not for a sermon but to hear from the LORD and to draw closer to Him.

CH: Once you complete your graduate studies, what are your exciting plans for your church and for the work abroad God has ordained for you to complete?

CR: Once I finish this degree I will pursue my doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University and after this, I will further do what the LORD wants me to do.

CH: You are one of the special guest speakers at the 2-day Women of Wisdom Journeying Beyond the Veil conference hosted by J. Hill Ministries on May 25th-26th. I understand this conference has traditionally drawn both men and women from various backgrounds including hundreds of individuals from men and women's shelters. Based on what you know about the Journeying Beyond the Veil conference and what God has been revealing to you during your time of preparation for this event, what kind of information and tools for living will men and women leave the conference with?

CR: I am so proud of J Hill Ministries. It is a privilege and a honor to be given a chance to encourage the body of Christ through my gift. Without giving to much away, God has revealed to me that his sons and daughters are in need of an UPGRADE!!!

CH: This special conference is entitled, Women Of Wisdom: Journeying Beyond The Veil. What are the key ingredients to being a woman of wisdom? How does a man or woman journey beyond the veil? And what are you preparing to share with the audience, as it relates to achieving this divine illumination?

CR: I am hoping that people have a better understanding that in God's economy that upgrade success happens when we are faithful to our calling like our friend David.