Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

For the past 11 years I've been serving in ministry settings that have revolved around congregational ministry of some sort.  The past three years I have served in a Navy Chapel in Japan.  In a little over a week, I'll move to a new ministry setting that has nothing to do with preparing to lead worship on a weekly basis, nor will it mean preparing weekly sermons.

Weekly sermons have been the primary content of this blog.  If not weekly sermons per se, then it has been meditations revolving around those texts, or thoughts relating to congregational development or local church ministry.  Sometimes denominational politics.

But as I have been thinking about the new setting I'm moving into, I have also been reflecting on my blog, and what to do with it.

I haven't been as regular in posting as I would like to.  Maybe part of that is the need to have "sermon quality" content.  Maybe it's the need to have a specific content, centering around church or theology.

I really don't know where this blog is headed.  But changes are coming. 

I think those of you who read with "regularity" can expect, more human, more raw, reflection on the Gospels.  By more real, I guess I mean more deeply personal reflection, because they won't be "sanctuary safe" reflections.

You may also find more "mundane" blog posts too because I do have a lot of interests other than just preaching and worship and church life.

I don't know what coming, honestly I don't.  But I hope those of you who choose to read will continue to choose to read, as I figure out what to write.

Pacem.

Day of Prayer and Blogging

Earlier today (I live in Japan BTW) I posted on Facebook as my status:

"I'm supposed to be blogging about "Passion & Possibility" today in connection with the "Day of Prayer and Blogging." For young people who may be considering call, remember that the Church has no walls and lots of effective, passionate, and vital ministry happens in the form of Extension Ministry. "The Church" is more than a local congregation; the Church is the people of God scattered like crumbs to give grace, and hope and light."


Now that I have the time to sit down and actually write something, I guess I should brief you on some background.


I belong to a denomination that is trying really, really hard to allow the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into it.


I carry the label extension minister in my Church tradition because I am ordained and live my call outside the walls of the church as a military chaplain.  When I began to pursue my call as a Chaplain, I was frequently asked, "Why are you leaving the Church?"


That's the biggest mis-conception I want to address when it comes to those who are discerning a call to ministry as a vocation; and I want it to be heard as clearly as possible.


You can be a pastor, you can be ordained to Word, Sacrament and Order and not pastor a local congregation.  


I do it every day.  And I am happier than happy 9 days out of 10.  The other day I'm just happy! :-D


My word to you today is simply this:  If you are exploring a call, or listening to what God might be saying to you, remember that you aren't required to accept that a box even exists.