Five Questions for Clint Taber
Interviewed by Justin Nash
Clint Taber has been involved in Christian ministry for more than 60 years as a Christian musician, pastor, Bible conference speaker, college professor/administrator and denominational leader. Rev. Taber has served in leadership positions since the outset of his ministry as a pastor, president of various organizations, regional superintendent and General Conference Executive Council member.
He is noted for his emphasis on the second coming of Jesus Christ and attendant developments. He has been published in several books and magazines as well as his own book, “Earth’s Final Dawn,” which has been widely circulated and well received. He is currently completing a second book dealing with the journey of life both in an individual sense and corporately as humans. The book points to the great beyond at the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Taber had this to say as he reflected on his life and ministry, “As I enter this final stage of my life, it calls for some personal reflection. After 86 years, who am I? What has my life accounted for? I understand that only eternity will reveal the true picture but some of it is visible on my life canvas. I know I have fallen short in certain areas of my life at times but by the grace of God I have been able to get up and move on. My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.’ This has proven true for me on numerous occasions. Where would I be except for the grace and guidance of God and his unfathomable forgiveness and blessing? Anything that has been accomplished, anyone who has been helped or found his way, to God be the glory!”
Rev. Taber retired from active ministry in 2011 at age 78 to care for his beloved wife of more than 60 years.
What's the one big thing you got right in ministry?
CT: I can’t say much about what I got right in ministry. I never thought of ministry as something I did. My focus was on what the Lord was doing through me. What I did right, if you look at it this way, was to trust the Lord fully. No person, regardless of how well trained or gifted that person may be, can begin to experience fruitful ministry apart from the blessing of our heavenly Father.
The church is a unique body made up of many gifted believers whom the Lord equips and strategically places in the body to enable us to achieve our calling together. We get it wrong when we fail to understand and appreciate this uniqueness. Ministry is not a one-man job.
What's the one big thing you got wrong in ministry?
CT: We all make mistakes in judgment and action from time to time and I am as guilty as anyone. One mistake is to overestimate our abilities and to underestimate the gifts of others. The church is a unique body made up of many gifted believers whom the Lord equips and strategically places in the body to enable us to achieve our calling together. We get it wrong when we fail to understand and appreciate this uniqueness. Ministry is not a one-man job. Apart from him we can do nothing.
What brings you the most joy in ministry?
CT: The greatest joy in ministry is in watching God work. Every church I pastored experienced remarkable growth spiritually and numerically. Over the course of time, many were added to the kingdom. God was at work in spite of me. In my ministry as Regional Superintendent, God gave me the gift of discernment and the gift of wisdom, both of which proved invaluable in working with some difficult church/pastor situations. There were occasions when the situation was so trying I found it necessary to call a time out and ask people to be in prayer for the Lord’s guidance. It is remarkable how God responded and brought unity when there was serious division. Watching God work lifts the burden and fills the heart with joy.
What advice would you give someone in a situation similar to yours?
CT: Unlike most pastors, I have been involved in a variety of ministry situations. Each one is different and requires a certain set of gifts and abilities. I found it true that regardless of the distinct nature of a ministry, God never called me to anything he didn’t equip me to fulfill. The most important thing in ministry is to trust the Lord for everything. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing what God can do when you trust him fully. If anyone learns anything from my journey it is this, “Serve the Lord with gladness. Nothing else matters or can compare!”
What is the one thing you wish you were better at as a pastor?
CT: Staying out of the way. I say that somewhat tongue-in-cheek as I understand a pastor/leader is in the spotlight by virtue of the position. People always seemed to have an elevated understanding of who I am. I never thought I was as good at it as others seemed to think. Some of that pedestal positioning is inevitable. We must always attempt to deflect the glory to him who alone is worthy!
Justin Nash, “Five Questions for Clint Taber” The Witness, Fall 2020