When I returned from ministering out of state in March, I knew temporary retirement would need to end very soon. My default was to worry about timing and opportunities. Eventually, I had to have a come to Jesus meeting with myself. God proved yet again that His timing is impeccable.
I returned home on a Friday and received an email from a church on Sunday. The deacons and I met the next night to explore the possibility of me becoming their next pastor. I took a week to pray and sensed that God might be up to something. They asked me to preach initially for the Sunday and Wednesday after Easter. After that Sunday, they asked me to preach the rest of the month. On the second Sunday I preached, they asked if they could vote two weeks later to call me as their next pastor. This past Sunday, the church unanimously voted to call me.
The amazing thing about this process was that the man who recommended has had my resume since last October. He thought he had sent my resume to the church, only to discover in March that he had not. While some might read this and think I could have been there months ago, I know that the time of respite has been just what I needed.
I covet your prayers as I begin this new assignment. The church lost over half of its congregation about 9 months ago and find themselves in a season of rebuilding. Those who remain have been wonderful. I am now back in a rural church setting which I love. God has opened a door of opportunity, and I simply want to be faithful.
As for honest thoughts from this pastor, we will see how they will shape during this new season of ministry. When I pastor, I find myself focusing primarily on sermon prep, pastoral care, and administration of the local church. As random and sordid thoughts come to mind, my thumbs find themselves typing on my phone to share a devotional thought with you.
I’m so thankful for growth. I’m thankful for open doors. I’m thankful for those who have been faithful to pray me into this next season. At the end of this temporary retirement season, I’m blessed and better for it!
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