Life Beyond the Process

A few weeks ago, we completed a long journey when we were ordained in the UMC. Now that we’ve had some time for it to sink in, we can start thinking about life beyond “the process” (i.e., the ordination process).

For many years, the process has been such a central part of our lives. In some ways, it’s hard to imagine what life will be like without it.

The one thing both Joleen and I have noticed about the last few weeks is that it feels like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. It feels lighter. Certainly, there will be other things that will fill the vacuum (both of our churches are beginning Matthew 28 Initiatives this year, which will, no doubt, be difficult, at times), but there is something special about being ordained.

Through ordination, the church recognizes gifts in our lives for leadership and ministry. The bishop and others laid hands on us and prayed for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on us for the office and work of an elder in the UMC. We were given new authority to preach the Word of God and to administer the sacraments.

Yesterday, West Side and Centre Grove UMC hosted an ordination celebration dinner in our honor. It was a wonderful time of pausing and celebrating what God has done for us and through this process.

As we move forward in life beyond the (ordination) process, may God continue to guide us and use us to lead churches toward greater vitality and fruitfulness for God’s kingdom!

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