Another "why" in the road

It has been a couple of weeks since my meeting with the candidacy committee and I am indeed faced with another test of my patience and of my ability to stay faithful to God's calling for me.  Due to a variety of circumstances the candidacy committee wants me to wait a year before being admitted to the program. 

First, I am entering this program from a different direction than most.  In most cases, a parish will have a vacancy and lift an individual from their congregation up for candidacy.   In my case I have been identified as a potential candidate without having a parish in need of someone from this program. There is currently no parish in our synod with a vacancy who is prepared to accept a TEEM candidate.

Secondly, they would like for me to spend this time in doing more spiritual discernment.  I have yet to receive the official entrance decision from the committee.  Once I have it I will have a better understanding of the next steps in the process.  I have been assigned a relator/accompanier who will assist me through the necessary steps for admission.

I would be lying if I didn't say I am somewhat disappointed but I have concluded that this is just another "why?" to be answered and that this further discernment will better prepare me for the life of ministry.  I am faithful to His call and look forward to the road ahead and all it has in store for not only me but for both Susie and I.  She has very much been my support and my encourager and I thank God for putting her in my life.  Please continue to pray for us and ask that we allow God to continue to be our leader on this journey.

Please pray for me

I am leaving today for Spokane and my final candidacy interview. The emotions of excited anticipation, nervous anxiety, and of extreme happiness are all flowing through me.

This is a huge step in fulfilling a call which began nearly forty years ago. Looking back, I can see the many forks on my path and the difficult decisions which I faced, and I realize they were all in preparation for the road ahead.

God has been with me every step of the way and I am confident he will continue along my side as I move forward. I look forward to the future with great anticipation and am anxious for God's plan for me to be more fully revealed in the weeks and months ahead. May God's blessings go with me and his presence surround me today, tomorrow, and always.

Big week

This is a big week for me. My candidacy interview is Friday in Spokane. I am very excited for this step and what lies ahead.