After much prayer, searching, and communication with various churches, I have found the one that I believe God has called me to pastor: Grace Baptist Church in Nokomis, IL. I’ve been in contact with the church since March, and we just took things one step at a time, although we had a hunch very early in the process that this was a church that we would be drawn to.
It’s a small church in a small town. The church is made up mostly of young to middle-aged adults with young children and teenagers. They have a “come as you are” way about them, while at the same time challenging each other to forsake all and follow Christ. They seem to know what being the church is all about.
I’ve experienced a huge relief in finally finding the place where God is leading me to pastor. But now another kind of anxiety has crept into my life since accepting the call to pastor Grace Baptist: the wait. I know where I’ll be pastoring, but I am not yet there serving as pastor. So, I must wait.
But waiting does not mean being idle. Before moving to Nokomis, I’ll be helping with my church’s community block party and vacation Bible school, going with the youth on a mission trip and to Student Life camp, and I’ll be getting ordained at my home church. Not to mention moving.
I firmly believe that the Christian life is a busy one. Heaven is my home, and it is there that I will experience an eternal rest far greater than I can imagine.
Congrats Chris, I know uncertainty can easily turn to worry. Enjoy watching God’s plan unfold.
AMEN!
Dude! Congratulations on that. So when will you actually be moving into the pastoral position?
Nearly the end of next month. My first Sunday with them will be July 26. I hope to be able to use the week before to get settled into the office, but we’ll likely be very busy moving. I’m really looking forward to it, and really nervous at the same time.