Scott and Tammy Pauley
Our journey in evangelism started at the first of the year and in the middle of winter. On that cold Sunday morning, January 3, 2016, I preached from Psalm 23 on “He Leadeth Me.” Now, as we begin our 10th year in full-time evangelism, I can tell you that our faithful Shepherd is continuing to lead us.
When we left the ministry at the Temple Baptist Church and Crown College to follow God’s leading, Pastor Sexton asked me to preach to the church on a Sunday night and share what the Lord had given me to do. I spoke on “The Led Life” from the story of the wise men, led by faith, through circumstances, in the Word, and to all God had for them.
Someone said to me in those early days, “You must have big plans!” No, I was just trying to find the next step and take it. There is a world of difference between a planned life and a led life. As we stand at this mile marker and look back at the way God has guided us, the words of the great hymn writer John W. Peterson best express my heart: “Jesus led me all the way.”
The Lord used many friends and counsellors to point me to the Lord and He has continued to give us discerning advisers at every crossroads. Of course, my greatest partner is my faithful wife. She has been the hero at home who helped raise our children and keep family life happy and orderly. Without Tammy I could never have continued in itinerant ministry.
A big part of my responsibility in Knoxville for nearly two decades was to work with staff. Truthfully I did not envision having fellow workers in evangelism. But the Lord has taught me that all gospel workers need fellow workers. There is no such thing as a “lone ranger” in the work of God. We need one another. And while not all fellow laborers are paid staff, believers are to pray and work together for the advancement of the gospel. God has been gracious to give us many friends for that purpose.
Team Members Behind the Scenes
The greatest work is the work of prayer and every public blessing is connected to private intercession. I am convinced that many of the mightiest workers are the ones laboring behind the scenes and at the throne. From the first days the Lord began to connect precious saints to us. Many of them I did not know and most of them will remain anonymous until the judgment seat. Every prayer, gift, text, email, and note is well known by our God.
It was obvious that God was confirming His will as people came alongside us to pray, encourage, and help. Faithful churches and individuals have invested in our family and in this ministry. While we have not sought to solicit any personal support, we have seen the Lord’s perfect supply at every step. God is good and His people have been used to help us on our way (3 John 5-8).
Who Helps You?
With some regularity I hear this question now. The Enjoying the Journey Team is made up of men and women, young and older, near and far who the Lord has connected to our mission. Each of them is using their gifts to help further the preaching of the gospel and the teaching of the Word. In a very real sense, all of them are exercising the gift of helps (1 Corinthians 12:28), so that others can “follow God’s Word and find Christ’s joy.” Over the next few weeks I would like to introduce each of them to you.
Tammy and I are so thankful for these precious friends and fellow workers. It would be impossible to express our gratitude or compensate them for their contribution, but the judgment seat of Christ will reveal it all. Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this month we will highlight another of our ETJ team members. I hope you will take time to read about them, pray for them, and encourage them as you can.
Indeed, this decade has been a journey of faith and one of the joys has been the companionship of fellow travelers. As we approach the first Sunday of 2025 I want to praise God for His faithful leading and recommit myself to keep following. We look forward to the journey ahead and trust by the grace of God that Jesus will continue to lead us all the way.
Thank you for making the journey with us.
