I love Tabletalk magazine and the work of Ligonier Ministries. RC Sproul has served me in multiple ways through his writing and teaching. I have read Tabletalk since its early days when it was a 2 color 8.5 x 11 publication. Editor Burk Parsons has become treasured friend and is one of the most encouraging men I know. He and his staff produce an excellent monthly magazine full of Bible studies and engaging articles. I encourage you to subscribe.
This month’s issue of Tabletalk includes the following interview with me about Founders Ministries and pastoral ministry.
Faith of Our Founders: An Interview with Tom Ascol
TT: How did you first hear the call to ministry, and how long have you been a pastor?TA: I was sixteen years old when I first sensed God calling me to pastoral ministry. It was through the preaching of a guest preacher during a “youth revival” at my home church, South Park Baptist in Beaumont, Texas. Though I had grown up in the church, I had a very jaded view of pastors, so I thought God was playing a cruel joke on me. After several months of prayer, reflection, and counsel, our pastor asked me to preach for the church. Afterward, on November 7, 1973, the church licensed me to the gospel ministry.
I accepted a call to pastor Rock Prairie Baptist Church in College Station, Texas, on October 31, 1978. I have served two churches since, including Grace Baptist in Cape Coral, Florida, where I have been ministering since 1986. (continue reading the rest of the interview here)