What does surrender look like?

On August 9th, 1994, Pauline Baptist Church was in revival with Bro. Gene Smith. At the end of the service, I walked forward during the invitation and let the church know I had surrendered to God’s call in my life for Gospel ministry. I did not know exactly what that would mean, but I knew I wanted to help people know God and understand His Word to see their lives transformed.

I surrendered my life to the Gospel Ministry. That looks different from person to person, but whatever it looks like, it is surrender. When someone surrenders to God’s call they give their life to God for His use and glory. For me, it meant I would be committed to do whatever He called me to do, wherever it would take me.

At that time, surrender meant that after three semesters at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, I packed up my stuff and moved to Texas Baptist Institute to earn a Bachelor of Theology Degree with a focus on Bible languages. Not long after moving to TBI, on October 19, 1996, Jenny Marie Knight and I were married at County Avenue Baptist Church in Texarkana, AR.

While at seminary, Jenny and I visited her parents in the Philippines on a short-term mission trip. As we ministered we observed areas of need in the Seminary where we could be used by God to advance His kingdom. I was ordained and sent by Pauline Baptist Church to Davao City, Philippines. Surrender to God’s call meant that, after graduating from TBI, we hopped on a plane when Jenny was 7 months pregnant with Noah and moved to the Philippines to teach in Philippine Missionary Baptist Seminary and plant a church. Our first three kids were born overseas: Noah David (1999), Mahlah Marie (2002) and Nathan Eugene (2004).

After 7 years in the Philippines, I had a desire for pastoring and could see my family being used by God to advance His kingdom in US churches. Our job in PMBS and in planting a local church was done, so surrender to God’s call meant getting back on a plane and moving back to the US and plugging into churches. God led our family to Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Oakhurst, CA, and we welcomed our fourth child, Rhoda Mae (2008).

For the last 13 1/2 years, surrender has meant moving my family to Dallas, TX, when Rhoda was 2 weeks old. I was privileged to serve alongside Bro. Ken Ashlock for five years, then the last 8 1/2 as Lead Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Garland, TX. God has been faithful and good to us while here at New Liberty. It has not always been easy, but ministry never is. Surrendering to Jesus is the opposite of comfortable, but it is always joyful.

When it comes to determining where God wants us to surrender in ministry, my wife and I always look to see where we could be making the biggest kingdom impact possible. That’s the way we have always considered where we should serve the Lord.

Over the last several years I have observed the office of Bogard Press Editor in Chief and contemplated that, if that position ever became available and my name was put into consideration, I would let it remain in consideration to see if God might not be willing to use me in that role. Editor in Chief is a position in which I have always thought I could use my calling and gifts to advance God’s kingdom.

Bro. Kyle Elkins has done a phenomenal job as Editor in Chief. When he resigned a few months ago, I received a call that my name was being considered as his replacement. Jenny and I committed it to prayer and waited to see if God would guide us through the open door. We both believe it to be unwise to close doors God may be opening, so we waited prayerfully to see what God woulddo.

After a few months of prayer and seeking wisdom from others, including my dad (Larry Clements), who served the position from 2003-2014, we came to the ABA Messenger meeting in Charleston, WV, waiting to see what God would do. On Thursday morning of the ABA meeting, the messengers voted to elect me to the position of Editor in Chief. Now, surrendering to God’s will means we will be loading up and moving to Texarkana to serve the churches through Bogard Press and we are filled with hopeful anticipation.

While we are saddened to be leaving New Liberty and are nervous about the next assignment, we find comfort knowing some things will not change:

1. God confirms His hand in calling His servants. The messengers may have voted, but it is God who calls us. Because God is the One who calls, when His will is accomplished to bring about change, it will be the best-case scenario for everyone involved. Change is never easy, but we know God has great things in store for everyone, including my family, Bogard Press, New Liberty Baptist Church, and every church who uses our material.

2. God is not surprised by any of these developments. While we have certainly been surprised at how He has worked, He has already provided the path forward for everyone who intends to obey His will.

3. The proper attitude to have for this next season is one of joyful anticipation. Change can cause fear and discomfort, but we should anticipate with hope what God will do next. This promises to be a very exciting season for everyone, as long as we look to the Lord for guidance.

4. No matter what changes God might bring about, our mission for kingdom advancement through the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains the same. We receive our orders from Jesus Himself, Who commanded His churches to make disciples of all nations. Whatever roles we may fill, our mission is the same.

5. Satan is deceitfully opportunistic and destructive. During times of transition God’s enemies seek to get their foot in the door and poke at the cracks of unity. Now, more than ever before, we must maintain singularity in seeking God’s wisdom, protection and guidance.

6. God’s plans will not be thwarted, no matter what His enemies do or how His children might falter. The work of Missionary Baptist churches will carry on until Christ returns, no matter who serves as Editor in Chief of Bogard Press, or who pastors His churches.

7. Every one of us must choose for himself to surrender to God’s will. My wife and I come from several generations of men who surrendered their lives to vocational ministry: J. E. Hollin

8. gsworth, D. S. Madden, George Clements, Larry Clements, Paul Magness and Glen Knight, just to name a few. No matter how great our family legacy might be, though, we still must choose daily whether or not to surrender our own lives to God for kingdom work.

God called Abram to a place he had never been, demanding that he uproot his family and trust God completely for wisdom, protection and guidance (Genesis 12:1). Similarly, when we heed the calling of God, He intends to lead us to places we have never been, to accomplish kingdom work we have never experienced. Personally, I am nervous as I begin learning what it takes to be a successful Editor in Chief, as I am walking into a brand-new role. Join me in finding comfort from the encouragement God gave to Abram as he faced an uncertain future:

“Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

No matter where surrender to God’s call may take us, we can be certain that if we are willing to trust Him, He will be with us. God Himself is our reward for faithful surrender and He is worth every sacrifice. Please join me in praying for our churches, especially New Liberty Baptist Church as she seeks her next pastor. Please pray also for me and my family as we make the transition to Texarkana. Finally, keep praying for the Baptist Sunday School Committee and the employees of Bogard Press.

For His Glory,

Mark Clements