To whom much has been given...
I've been blessed.
My first pastorate out of seminary, I worked alongside a wonderful pastor by the name of David Johnson. He was old school all the way. His Dad was a Covenant pastor. His grandfather was a Covenant pastor. It was in his blood, and on every level he was truly a pastor to the congregation. He wasn't the greatest preacher of all times, but he loved his flock and cared for them in every way. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty around the church, and he was always available. From simply being around him I learned the role of faithfulness in my life and ministry as a pastor.
I then moved north to my second pastorate. A church on the move in ministry. I was joined by another pastor, Rick Carlson, who wasn't quite a pastor yet in the traditional sense of the word. Schooling would follow to make it official, even though his whole life was involved in ministry. Being around him was exciting and brought the best out of my gifts, as he had such a vision for what could be, to the glory of God. He became a good friend, and from simply being around him I learned the role of passion in my life and ministry as a pastor.
6 years ago I came homeward. They have been 6 rich years of ministry alongside a faithful and passionate man of God, Mark Pattie. We have complimented each other's gifts well. We've gotten out of the way of the Spirit so that it could move and direct us. We've stretched and we've stretched some more. But most of all, we've prayed. Mark is a pastor who begins with and ends with prayer. And he prays in between. Now he's gone to MN. From simply being around him I learned the role of prayer in my life and ministry as a pastor.
I've been blessed. And as I reflect on what I have received from these 3 men, it makes me wonder what impact I have on the youth I work with, as they are around me. What of the adults I minister and preach to and with?
What of me rubs off onto them? How do the ripples of my life impact those around me?
Am I brave enough to face the answers?
posted by Unknown @ 10:56 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Good questions...m
You have been the "lighthouse in the dark" to the youth of our church as well as the adults. Your adult studies have been a huge asset to our adult community and have brought about alot of small group meetings and discussions. You have brought faith, redemption and healilng into our congregation. You have learned much from these 3 men, and you have taught much to the congregation. Thank you for all you do for our church on a daily basis and during times of crisis.
Intrusting......
I remember how excited our daughter was when she heard you were coming here. Since then we have fully understood her excitement and learned much from you. Sunday school classes, the way you relate to our current youth etc, We expect that trend to continue in the future with God's help for us all.
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