…ministry is what God promises to do first FOR us, and then IN us before doing anything through us.

-Mark Driscoll 11 Things God Does for Church Leaders

This is a big weekend for me. I am not going to lie…it’s BIG. There are a few days I hold (and will hold) more dear than Sunday (Day I get to see Christ face to face, Day I got saved, My Wedding Day, The birth of my kids), but the day I get ordained as a pastor (shepherd) in Jesus’ church, is truly a special day for me. So what does one think about the few days prior to a BIG day such as this? Well, I am glad you asked. Below are just some of thoughts I am having going into this exciting, yet sobering, day.

-Sunday is the Start: I am excited about Sunday. I am excited that so many family and friends will be there to take part and pray over me as I begin my journey as a Pastor, but Sunday is exactly that…the beginning. I am focused, and want my focus to stay, on the last day. Many pastors begin, but statistics don’t tell a good story of finishing well. Whether by disqualification or mere frustration, a lot of pastors don’t make it. I am looking forward to standing face to face with God one day and hearing Him say, “well done…you led and loved my people well”

-The Weight of it All: I can foresee the many blessings of being a pastor. But I also feel the weight of the responsibility of being a pastor. The responsibility and privilege it is to speak into people’s lives…to take part in the best and darkest times of their lives. It is a sobering thing (but not crushing)!

-God be Glorified: My hope and my heart is that in everything I do (and really this was my desire before becoming a pastor as well) God is glorified. He is the one who provides me with the gifts, talent, time, wisdom, abilities I need to pastor well. He is the one who will empower, anoint and bless the things that I do as a pastor. I don’t believe becoming a pastor is a result of how good I am (my job is to submit), but of how good God is and it amazes me that I get to come along for this ride!

-Thanks: God has used many people to influence my life in so many ways. Each one guiding and shaping me and preparing me for this calling. Thank you! God has given me this opportunity through the Spirit’s confirmation by the Elders and Lead Pastor of Lancaster Community Church. Thank you! God, that you have counted me worthy of the calling of Pastor and that you will empower, anoint, and use me to spread your gospel, and love your people. Thank You!