Installed in Ministry

Last Sunday we gathered at the church for a service of installation. I've been serving as pastor of Central Woodward Christian Church since July, but we finally got around to sealing this call with a service of installation. Jon Lacey, the Acting Regional Minister was there to install me. Apostle John Harvey, pastor of Serenity Christian Church in nearby Hazel Park issued the sermon; based on Ephesians 4:1-6, it was entitled "Captured and Called." It was a strong statement that God had "captured" me and transferred me from California to Michigan. He also issued a strong charge to the congregation to keep me in prayer. As pastor, I can say that I need that prayer!

I was blessed to have in the service representatives of the local clergy and interfaith groups, the city and my own life experience (a clergy friend from college and seminary was able to be there and read scripture).

It was, all in all, a blessed moment -- but it served to remind me that I'm called to an important calling, that of providing strong but humble leadership to a congregation that is undergoing transition and transformation. Like hundreds if not thousands of Mainline congregations across the country, we are looking deeply at who we've been, what we are, and where God is leading us. With that calling, I entrust my life into the hands of God.