PK’s Corner
July
2012
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you, do not be
afraid, for I am your God…”
On June 9, 2012, a stage in my journey
of faith and ministry came to a junction.
I was ordained an Elder in full connection in the United Methodist
Church. This event was the culmination
of 7 years of seminary, 4 years of preparation, 3 years of provisional status
and untold hours of prayer by me and those around me. All this was within 13 years of ministry as a
local pastor.
The route to ordination is not an easy
one, nor is it meant to be. It is one that requires much study and soul
searching. There are many times of
disappointment, heart break and questioning of God’s call in our lives. Yet through it all a still small voice said
to me “Fear not, I am with you, be not dismayed…” It has been a long journey, and it is just the
beginning.
Now a new chapter begins, one that calls
me to be more accountable, more careful, more caring and more passionate about
the flock. Now I stand not just before a
congregation, but I answer for the whole church. Now I am an authority where before I was
under the authority.
The implications of ordination for me
are awesome to contemplate. The world
to which I am called to minister is bigger, the issues more profound, and the
urgency more severe. But that is the
call I answered and will follow.
We are all called to ministry in the
church, some to ordained, others to service, others to love, but all are
called. For me, my path is before me, to
go where God calls the church to send me, to make disciples for the salvation
of the world. But what about your path,
what has God called you to do. Have you
heard the still small voice that says “fear not”? Have you trusted in God to hear his call for
your life?
I challenge you to listen to God and to
his call for your life. Ordination may not
be for everyone, but everyone is called to serve God, what is your call?
Amen
