So over the past few months I've shared/preached three times. You know, there's a lot of fear that goes into preaching. I burn both ends of the worry candle. On one side I worry that I'll share something that's not truth, or that what I do share will offend someone. Now offending someone with the truth isn't all that bad, but offending them with my attitude or poor choice of words is.
However, I've got to tell you that getting up there and speaking truth just feels good. It's like scratching an itch. There's just this relief. Not that it's over, but that you said what needed said.
Between that and all the other ministry work and discussion I've had on small groups, I shared with my wife that all this just feels right. This really is where I'm supposed to be. I told her that I understood her needing more time before I went further into ministry, but that it really seemed to be time.
Much to my surprise, she said that she'd be ok with my finding out what the next step is. Even if it meant school, that she could be ok while I did that. Her biggest concern is how much time it takes from my being home. I understand that and try to keep it at the forefront of my mind.
So now I'm wondering what to do. I've written my pastor and we've discussed some schooling options. We'll meet this week to talk more. Our conference is very local church focused, so unlike larger mainline denominations, there isn't really a set development path for those who feel called into ministry. Now I think they take it too far and it becomes a bit too 'career' minded. I do, however, find that I need a bit more structure than we provide. Hopefully we can come up with a good middle ground.
So pray for me this week that God will open some doors and shed a bit of light on the next step in the path.
However, I've got to tell you that getting up there and speaking truth just feels good. It's like scratching an itch. There's just this relief. Not that it's over, but that you said what needed said.
Between that and all the other ministry work and discussion I've had on small groups, I shared with my wife that all this just feels right. This really is where I'm supposed to be. I told her that I understood her needing more time before I went further into ministry, but that it really seemed to be time.
Much to my surprise, she said that she'd be ok with my finding out what the next step is. Even if it meant school, that she could be ok while I did that. Her biggest concern is how much time it takes from my being home. I understand that and try to keep it at the forefront of my mind.
So now I'm wondering what to do. I've written my pastor and we've discussed some schooling options. We'll meet this week to talk more. Our conference is very local church focused, so unlike larger mainline denominations, there isn't really a set development path for those who feel called into ministry. Now I think they take it too far and it becomes a bit too 'career' minded. I do, however, find that I need a bit more structure than we provide. Hopefully we can come up with a good middle ground.
So pray for me this week that God will open some doors and shed a bit of light on the next step in the path.
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