So, big news in my world: God has called me to be a senior pastor.
Now before you throw tomatoes at me and swear I’ve turned to the dark side, I want to share my story. There may come a time when God will call you to a different ministry and I hope my experience can aid you.
So, here I am, on the verge of becoming the senior pastor of a church.
How did I get here? That’s a very good question.
About a year and a half ago, I was praying in my quiet time. In the middle of my prayers, God popped this nugget in my brain: “Pray about becoming a senior pastor?”
What????
That was my initial reaction. Followed shortly thereafter by “No.”
But God doesn’t take “No” for an answer. So the next day, I get the same thing. The day after too. God clearly wasn’t going to let this issue rest.
So for the next six weeks my wife, my best friend and I pray about this call on my life. We prayed specifically for a vision for my current ministry and my ministry career. After six weeks, all three of us got this answer: stay for a year, then get ready to be a pastor.
I’ll be honest, it scared me. It still does.
I think that’s a natural reaction. Moses was scared when he met the burning bush. Isaiah was scared when he was called by God. The disciples were scared when the resurrected Jesus entered the locked room.
When God speaks, our natural reaction is fear. It was this time too. But like Jesus, I would not let fear stop me from fulfilling God’s call.
Seven months later, I began my search. I applied and prayed and waiting. Eventually (and rather quickly) God led me to a small church in rural Illinois. It became obvious this was where God was leading my family.
After 12 years of youth ministry, I’m about to embark on a new ministry journey. I’m nervous, excited and sad all at the same time. However, I’m secure that God has me in the process. He’s been guiding me all the way.
Maybe God is calling you away. I don’t know you or your situation. However, let me stress one thing: pray. Take time and pray. Slow down the process, if necessary, and pray. You never go wrong with prayer.
So pray for me as I begin this new journey and the transition ahead. It’s not going to be easy, but with ministry, it rarely is.