And it begins

The bishop and I have met and he has indicated that the candidacy committee will meet in mid-May.  The program officially starts in October.  While I am anxious to get started in the program I will need to be patient while he works to finds a parish for me to serve.

In preparation for beginning the TEEM program with the guidance of the bishop I have begun a self-directed reading and study routine.  This week I have finished reading Healthy Congregations by Peter L. Steinke and Reading the Bible with Martin Luther by Timothy J. Wengert.  I have found both books informational and helpful. 

Having led my current congregation through some difficult times over the past three years, I was relieved to find, in Steinke’s book, that much of what we had been through was similar to many congregations.  It was good to learn that much of what we did to move ourselves forward was similar to what was recommended in the book.  The lessons I learned and the experiences I had during my time as congregational president will serve me well as I move towards ordination and in serving my future congregations.

From the book by Wengert I received a basic overview of Luther’s interpretation of scripture.  This book has motivated me to learn more of Luther and how his teaching motivated the reformation and our understanding of scriptures.

Next up will be a couple of more books by Steinke and a continuation of Mark Allan Powell’s book, Giving to God.  God has called me and I have answered.

My Journey Begins

Greetings to you all,

I have decided to create this blog in order to share my journey as I prepare for ministry.  For those who are not aware of my decision to pursue ordination I have included a Facebook post I made in January.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 ESV

As most of you know, I have been searching for what it is God wants me to be doing with my life and recently I may have finally received those long awaited answers. I will be applying to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s (ELCA) Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program. It is a program for second career, older individuals who seek to become ordained as ministers in the ELCA. It is a three year program where I would be assigned to serve a parish while I am doing the coursework to become ordained. Most of the coursework would be online and the rest I would do in short (three one-week sessions annually) at Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, CA. During this time I could be assigned a parish anywhere in Idaho or Eastern Washington. At the conclusion of the three years I would be eligible for call anywhere the ELCA would want to place me.

This is indeed an exciting, slightly scary time for both Susie and me. It would mean on the short term Susie and I may be separated while I do my coursework and serve a parish. But God has indeed transformed our minds as we anticipate these changes in our lives. We have come to understand after much discernment and prayer that this is the path to which God is leading us. While the unknown is frightening, Susie supports this completely which means the world to me. I could not do this without her love and support. I would also ask you, my friends, to pray for us as I go through the admissions process and that I would be accepted into the program.

The lyrics to the song "Here I am Lord" have held special meaning for me for a long time and are especially meaningful now that I have made this decision. 

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

 

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

 

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?

 

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

 

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?

 

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

 

God has called me here and I hope you will follow me as I journey forward on this path.  The road ahead is exciting and I do look forward to all it has to offer.  There will surely be times of great joy and times of frustration and doubt, however, I am prepared to meet all with perseverance and God's grace.  To aid me along my travels I would ask you for your continued prayers.