Well, I made it through my first pastoral interview tonight. Overall, I have a good feeling about it. The people were very nice and approachable. They made me feel welcomed and comfortable, and to my surprise, they seemed really interested in all aspects of my life. They asked some very good questions, and I was really impressed with they way they reacted to many of my comments. To say the least, I was a bit nervous about the whole ordeal. I really had no idea of what to expect. I really got the sense that they are really seeking God's guidance in their search for a pastor, and I appreciate that a great deal.
I had preconceived notions and reservations going into the interview, but I could really sense God's presents in the time I spent with them. I hope that I conveyed my thoughts in a clear and understandable way. I really think that God was pleased during the time we spent together, because he was the center of the conversation. I tried to focus more on Jesus and my relationship with him, more so than focusing on me. I hope and pray that they continue to seek God's will in this matter, and that they continue to consider me for the position. If I don't get the position, I can walk away from this experience knowing that I did what was right and I now have a new appreciation for how these things actually work. And I also feel as though I have established some friendships out of this.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Finals Are Over...Interview For A Pastor Position
It has been almost a month since I have blogged. The reason is that life has been crazy. I just finished my last final this afternoon, and the semester is officially over. I think I ended the semester with two A's, two B's, and one C. This has been truly one of the toughest semesters to date, however, I have really learned a lot.
Another fun fact is that I am interviewing for a Lead Pastor position at a small church here in town tomorrow night. Allyssa and I are excited yet very nervous at the same time. This is all new to us, and if we get the position it will be our first official position in ministry. I have been preaching now for about a year, and have loved every minute of it. God has taught me so much about Him and about myself. To say the least, it has been a humbling experience. I have been praying for an opportunity to do this on a regular basis and for the opportunity just to love a group of people and lead them on this crazy journey we are on. I just pray that God will have His way in this whole ordeal, and that all parties involved will do what they feel led by God to do.
A little about this church. They are a small congregation, set in a rural area not to far from my current church. There is probably about 60 or so members, which is normal for small rural Baptist churches. I got the opportunity to preach a couple of services there a couple of months back, and Allyssa and I felt at ease and burdened at the same time while we were there. The members there were really nice and welcoming, and in real need of leadership and discipleship. Their search committee has since come to hear me preach a service at our home church, but to be honest I felt as though I wasn't the type of guy they were looking for. As I was told by one of the local Baptist leaders, "You are more of a city preacher", but I have never let that get to me. If anything that has set me more at ease, and challenged me to keep my eyes on Jesus not on man's approval.
I just pray that the interview is pleasing to God, and that I can convey my thoughts and ideas with boldness and conviction, regardless of what I know they want me to say. I just would like the chance to go and love these people like Jesus has loved me, and to disciple them and lead them forward to whatever God has in store for us. I am not so interested in going and bringing a lot of programs and such that will most likely cause division right off.
Anyways, if any of you seasoned pastors and leaders have any encouraging words of wisdom to throw my way, I would greatly appreciate it. This is a huge step in both our lives, and this moment in time we feel totally inadequate to do this whole thing. However, we know that God is adequate and faithful to those who are obedient. Just pray for us as we embark on this journey, and I will post an update tomorrow night on how it all goes. Thanks.
Another fun fact is that I am interviewing for a Lead Pastor position at a small church here in town tomorrow night. Allyssa and I are excited yet very nervous at the same time. This is all new to us, and if we get the position it will be our first official position in ministry. I have been preaching now for about a year, and have loved every minute of it. God has taught me so much about Him and about myself. To say the least, it has been a humbling experience. I have been praying for an opportunity to do this on a regular basis and for the opportunity just to love a group of people and lead them on this crazy journey we are on. I just pray that God will have His way in this whole ordeal, and that all parties involved will do what they feel led by God to do.
A little about this church. They are a small congregation, set in a rural area not to far from my current church. There is probably about 60 or so members, which is normal for small rural Baptist churches. I got the opportunity to preach a couple of services there a couple of months back, and Allyssa and I felt at ease and burdened at the same time while we were there. The members there were really nice and welcoming, and in real need of leadership and discipleship. Their search committee has since come to hear me preach a service at our home church, but to be honest I felt as though I wasn't the type of guy they were looking for. As I was told by one of the local Baptist leaders, "You are more of a city preacher", but I have never let that get to me. If anything that has set me more at ease, and challenged me to keep my eyes on Jesus not on man's approval.
I just pray that the interview is pleasing to God, and that I can convey my thoughts and ideas with boldness and conviction, regardless of what I know they want me to say. I just would like the chance to go and love these people like Jesus has loved me, and to disciple them and lead them forward to whatever God has in store for us. I am not so interested in going and bringing a lot of programs and such that will most likely cause division right off.
Anyways, if any of you seasoned pastors and leaders have any encouraging words of wisdom to throw my way, I would greatly appreciate it. This is a huge step in both our lives, and this moment in time we feel totally inadequate to do this whole thing. However, we know that God is adequate and faithful to those who are obedient. Just pray for us as we embark on this journey, and I will post an update tomorrow night on how it all goes. Thanks.
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