A Future Call Nearing


Paul wrote:

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

As Paul defines the call to ministry, one shouldn't expect to dine with the high and the mighty. The call to ministry is a call to service.

My life, as I've known is about to change. Not only do I turn 50 tomorrow, but I'm about to make a decision that will impact my future and that of my family. Oh, it's not a decision I'm making on my own. It's a decision that Cheryl and I will make together in the constant communion with God. That decision concerns a calling to a new ministry, a call that will take us far from the comforts of what we've come to know. A new city, a new culture, new weather. We likely will leave our son behind to go to college in southern California. There is much to let go of and leave behind. But, deep inside there is this sense that the time is now.

Last Sunday I received a phone call from the church we'd gone to visit just a few days before. That church, which I've described as being east of the Mississippi and to the northern edges of the country -- in order to protect confidentiality, is located in the metro-Detroit area (good thing I drive a Ford). It is a church with a long and distinguished history, but it is also a church that has discerned a call to become something new, to become a missional congregation. It will be a challenge; it will stretch my faith and my abilities. But they feel I'm the one to lead them, and deep in my heart I felt the same calling. Of course, there is the matter of finances to work out, but assuming that this will come together, we are on the edge of a life-changing move. We await the culmination of this process with hope and humility.

When this latest chapter in our faith journey began, I expected -- as my church did as well -- that we would stay put. I've been quite happy serving as the pastor of the Lompoc church. I could see the opportunities present. I enjoyed my growing reputation as the town's theological gadfly. My column in the local paper had developed a growing and loyal readership. Why leave this behind? Why leave southern California, a region of the country I've enjoyed living in (maybe that's because I don't actually live in LA).

But as they say, God had other plans. I think my former Regional Minister knew this was going to happen when he put together the contract that we've lived under these past 2 and half years. The Spirit of God isn't limited by our imaginations, and sometimes we need to be pushed out of the next and catch the winds of God in our wings and follow them in a new direction. If all of this comes to pass, I move on with due humility, knowing that it is God's grace that will sustain us. It is this same grace that will guide and sustain the Lompoc church as they begin to discuss their future with another pastor. Whoever succeeds me will be blessed by a great group of people. I only hope that I've prepared them for what is to come next.

And so we begin a new chapter in our lives. We have tried to resist the call, but it has taken hold of us. It could fall through. But for some reason I don't think it will. And as we make this move we look forward to new friendships and new opportunities, even as we treasure the friendships we've made in Lompoc. I'm grateful for the love they've shown me, a love that enabled me to heal after a difficult ending to my last pastorate. That I'm in ministry today is due to their love and support. I will never forget them.

But now we all begin that new chapter.

Comments

John Shuck said…
Detroit? It is cold up there, man!

Good for you. I know you will be missed at your present locale. We did kind of a similar thing. When our kids went to college we sent the parents out of state!

All the best in the transition!
Chris Tilling said…
I hope it turns out wonderfully for you. God bless you in the changes.
Mike L. said…
I'm sure the change will be fun. Adventures are exciting. Just promise you won't stop blogging.

Happy Birthday!
Blessings on this new chapter in your life.

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