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I’ve Finally Made Up Up My Mind

I can’t tell you how I decided, but I finally have decided.

For the last seven years–despite our keen and rewarding participation in the Faithspring Communities in northern Nevada and previously in and around Portland, and my recent though intermittent leadership at the United Church of Christ in Forest Grove–I’ve only flirted with the thought of re-entering ministry within the denominational church.

There was too much anxiety associated with the decision to take it seriously, not that I haven’t wrestled with it off and on these last few many years. And our business commitments, initially in Hillsboro and later in Sherwood, really argued against it.

But Sunday’s experience at the church in Forest Grove was incredible! It was perhaps one of the most powerful moments in my ministerial career, to be honest. And the people present–it was Palm Sunday and I hadn’t led a Palm Sunday service in years–were clearly glad to be there as well. The product–a mixed musical service, including some rock and roll, the usual hymns, and lots of children’s numbers along with some very personal comments on Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem centered on the 11th chapter of Mark–seemed to speak to everyone’s needs, including my own.

There’s some discussion at the church about an interim position between the pastor retiring and a new minister of worship and administration arrives. And while I don’t know how serious it is, I’m looking forward to providing the church 30 to 40 hours a week of leadership in the areas I enjoy most, assuming that they’ll make an offer.

More so–and here’s where the change is–I’m looking forward to the interim or called ministry after that one, and the one after that one as well. So if the United Church of Christ will have me, I’d like to spend some energy there over the next many years into my retirement.

I’m to attend a meeting in April with the Oregon conference to discuss where I’ve been and what I’ve done, as well as what it will take to be a credentialed United Church of Christ minister. So stay tuned…and if you’re so inclined, say a few good words where it counts.