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"Becoming Fishers of Men" | Pastor Ben Kellert 

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

 

Luke 5:1-11  "One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."

An encounter with Jesus demands a response!

  • Obedience, conviction
  • Simon recognized that he was a sinner...in need of a Savior!

*"We repent enough to be forgiven, but do we surrender enough to be changed?" - Paul Harvey

  • We need to not only repent but surrender all, completely... to allow God to transform us! Amen!!

Vs 10b "From now on you will fish for people!"

  • God wants and expects us to be Fishers of Men

*"Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men, instead they have become keepers of the aquarium!" -Paul Harvey

  • Scripture calls us to more!
  • The Great Commission - Go and do, Go and tell!
  • Don't keep the Good news you've received to yourself!

Insights on Becoming Fishers of Men:

  1. Know your pond - Where are you fishing? Where have you been called? What are the needs, obstacles, political environment, Is it urban, rural, etc... What is the demographic?
  2. What type of fish are in the pond? Who has Jesus called you to reach? Economic, culture, ethnicity, age, interests etc...
  3. What kind of hook/bait do you need?  What will bless them and meet their needs?

Get to know your pond!  What has God given you to allow you to serve?

"Each one, Reach One!"

  • Do your part!
  • There are so many ministries and areas to serve!

Ministries at Bethel currently in need of help:

  • Nursery (Bethel Tots)
  • Children's Ministry (Bethel Kids)
  • Family Night
  • Youth
  • Hot Dog Lunch
  • Set up/take down for events (tables, chairs etc...)
  • Landscaping (mowing the lawn, gardening, weeding)
  • Women's Ministry
  • Senior's Ministry
  • Hosts/Greeters
  • Please talk to Pastor Ben, Pastor Teresa or Pastor Matt if you would like to help in any of these areas :)

From now on you will fish for men/people - Let's be about our Father's Business!

  • Pray for and support these ministries to help foster an atmosphere of love and growth, putting Jesus first in our church family and community (intercede in prayer, support financially, volunteer).

 

*Next, click below to watch the full replay of this service, "Becoming Fishers of Men".