Thirteen years ago I felt a call to be a Methodist minister (if you discount the many times before that when my grannies told me it was going to happen). Yesterday it actually happened! I have the bible to prove it 🙂
To those of you who are not ministers, it may disappoint you somewhat that I don’t feel much different to Saturday. In my mind I’m still eighteen, loving God and doing my best to serve him by loving people. In reality I’m a husband, father and have read more books – but I’m still the same person. In three weeks’ time my lovely wife, brilliant son and gently spine-broken books will travel with me to Newcastle, Co. Down, where together we shall serve the people of Dundrum, Newcastle and Downpatrick.
And I mean together. Kathryn and I think as one. The way we minister might be different to the way that has been modelled before. We want to live missionally, and encourage God’s people to live missionally – see the red box below all the links on the right hand side of this blog for more. It’s going to be a journey together, an adventure. Who knows what’s to come?
The One who knows gives grace in abundance. We need it. Pray for us.
God bless you and Kathryn as you continue your journey in ministry. Glad you don’t feel any different from Saturday, as your licensing did not make you a minister… you have been a minister, and a very effective one, for a long, long time… This act simply committed to your leadership in ministry the ministries of the members of the societies under your care… I am sure that God will continue to use you in your particularly thoughtful, gracious and creative way…
Thanks David! You’re very kind.