Advance Cohort: Shiju Jacob

The Advance Initiative National Cohort exists to empower, equip, and encourage ministry-minded men who are exploring a calling to pastor or plant gospel-centered, multiethnic churches as or among Indian Americans. Our current Cohort has gathered five men from around the country who are exploring church planting together. We have been meeting together since September of 2016. Our hope is to give you the opportunity to meet these five men over the next several months and to hear their thoughts and prayers.

Introduce yourself.

My name is Shiju Jacob and I attend Riverstone church (formerly known as Bible Fellowship Church), an Evangelical Free church. I have been attending there since May 2013 and have been a member since January 2015. I currently serve as an overseer of the young adults ministry at the church as well as being a member of the missions board.

Describe your desire for ministry.

My desire for ministry began when I was being discipled at age 18. My mentor displayed a pattern of life that I longed to emulate in my own life. Thus, I aimed to lived a lifestyle that revolved around the cross. It was surreal and it even made my parents wonder if I had lost my mind. Yet, this was where I found ultimate reward; that is, living a life that revolved around soul-winning.

Preaching, evangelism and administration have been clear as to where my spiritual gifts lie. However, I’m not sure if I will be called to eldership anytime soon. All I can do is continue to try to live out 1 Tim 3 & Titus 1 until that moment may come when my elders lay hands on me to be sent out or to stay among their flock as an elder.

What lead you to participate in the Advance Cohort?

Though I am not in vocational ministry, my aspirations for it and the natural bond I have with South Indian Americans led me to join the Cohort. As a result, I have learned much in how to think critically as an Indian American in view of the unique context the Lord has created me in (balancing Eastern/Western culture in the US). In addition, I wanted to learn more about the world of church-planting and the cohort has certainly given me a great foundation for it by being able to glean from the Cohort mentors and participants.

What is the most important thing that you’ve learned/been challenged by within Cohort so far?

Observing our mentors during our last two in-person Cohorts have been tremendously rewarding for me. Their love for one another is evident, the unity they share is to be coveted, and they are truly of one heart and mind in their cause and commitment to live missionally for Jesus. I pray to have something like that one day in pastoral ministry.

What is one word of encouragement you would give to someone considering ministry? 

How precious is Jesus to you? Don’t do ministry because it is cool or hip; do it because God commands you to love sinners and saints with a shepherd’s heart. Are you called to shepherd? Are you currently shepherding folk in some way, shape or form?

How can we pray for you? 

To be more approachable, more devoted to disciplined prayer, to love non-Christian’s more fervently, and to increase in godly wisdom & discernment through continued immersion in the Scriptures and Christian literature.