Church Structure and ordination thoughts

I should have known that everything would go smoothly. After all the worrying, emails, and last minute discussions, we handed the election of our Minitry leaders and Shepherd's over to God (where it really had always been) and it went so smoothly. It was a reminder to me of my days on the board of the local Habitat for Humanity when we would do the same thing. Discuss, plan, worry, give to it God, and everything works out in perfection.

Now we will see how our leaders learn to trust God. The next year will be a time when our community will probably grow more in its faith then anyone can possibly imagine. It will be an amazing process to see unfold. My own Journey, I suspect, will be very similar as I work toward being ordained in our Church.

The beginning of the discernment process has already shown this to be true. I really started in prayer and contemplation about taking on this process in early December. Through the loss of a young relative, my 10 month old son having surgery, my business slowing down, and all the drama of the by-laws being completed, the warehouse being approved, and the leadership being selected, I have found that the decision to seek ordination has been strong and only grew stronger.

The new year brings new opportunities in business and selection to be a Shepherd of our church community. Along with the normal family pressures, both of these will test my intent. I will have to stay strong in my commitment to prayer, discernment, study, and listening for "God's voice" in my daily life. It is wonderful challenge to have!

To close my first entry, I want to say that I truly look forward to this challenge and the opportunity to step ever deeper into God's vision for this world. I relish the opportunity to speak with and listen to all of you throughout this process. Your input, observations, questions, comments, prayers, etc. are welcome to encourage learning and growth together. I hope that this blog will provide a lens to view more closely the growth of a new church, a new christian, and a new way to view God's work in his/her world.

With blessings to all, good night and good luck!