5Q4 > A Pastor

Jean-Pierre Martinez repeatedly calls his wife Dianna “beautiful.” Their pet fish are called Wherefore, Hence and Therefore, and their cats are called Hunny and Pepa. Currently the associate pastor at Kellyville church, NSW, he shares how he was called to serve God as a pastor.

1 What do you do as a pastor? > Well, I’ll try to paint a picture of the kind of stuff I get up 2. I organise and run individual and small-group Bible studies; write and deliver Bible talks at church and both the primary and high schools in my area; lead out and participate in music ministry; visit people in their homes; attend church planning meetings; plan youth ministry stuff and am involved in conference youth programs; support Pathfinder programs and activities. Also, I generally just hang out with people and encourage them to live for God.

2 Why did you get into pastoral ministry? Did lightning strike you? Were you marooned on a desert island and made a promise to God? > Not really! But it would be cool 2 have such a story. Actually from the age of about 8 I wanted to be a pastor (B4 that I wanted to B a clown. Don’t laugh or make any connections to me now). After hitting my teens it kind of faded then B4 finishing school I felt I could best use my talents and gifts in encouraging and leading people to have a relationship with Jesus and live with passion.

3 What's the best thing about being a Pastor? > Being part of the process of watching people’s lives change when they understand how much Jesus loves them. As well as being able to use my gifts to dream big dreams 4 God.

4 What music draws you closer to God? > Being a musician myself (Gee-tarist that is!), I have a wide range of musical tastes. I love listening to (some) old hymns, contemporary worship songs, Christian bands, and Christian instrumental music. I love listening to and singing the words of these songs because they bring me closer to God and inspire me to live 4 Him.

5 What are five things you’d say to someone who is thinking about being a pastor? >
1. Pray (I know this sounds corny, but it’s still # 1 4 me).
2. Talk about it to people who know and love you.
3. Identify your spiritual gifts.
4. Ask your local pastor to take you around with him.
5. Get involved in your church.