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.