CONTACT (New Job)

I interviewed last week for a job as director of a non-profit organization in my city. I have always been skeptical of non-profits, but this one is really one that I can believe in. The name of it is Contact, and it is associated with the national organization Contact USA.

Contact is a volunteer based 24/7 helpline for people to be able to call in and let their voices be heard. The majority of callers will be those who are suffering from depression, suicidal, or just loneliness. It is really an awesome organization, but the word needs to get out there about it. To few people know about it.

Anyways, the day after my interview I was called and informed that I got the position. So now I am the youngest guy in the room at both of my new jobs, but considered the leader. So I am very excited about the future, and yet nervous because I feel somewhat inadequate in both realms.

It's Official, I Am Now A Rev.

Yesterday marked a new journey in my life. As most of you know, three weeks ago I was officially asked to be the pastor at a church in my area. I accepted their invite, and have been serving there since. However, according to my denomination I could not play certain roles in the church, because I had not yet been ordained.

I have never understood ordination, because the only thing that takes place in one that is biblical in nature, is the laying on of hands. However, once I experienced it for myself yesterday, I totally respect the nature in which it is done, and have a better understanding of the reasons behind it.

I really enjoyed the experience, because represented at the ordination, were many men whom have spoken into my life and who I have the upmost respect for. I had the chance to pick the music, and normally they play old church hymns and such, but I asked a good friend of mine to sing a song called 'God of Justice'. The reason for that song choice, is it speaks volumes to what I picture ministry and the church being about. So if you haven't heard it go over to ITunes and check it out.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

New Title...Same Person

This past Sunday I found out that the church I had been nominated for the pastorate had officially accepted me as their pastor. Allyssa and I were relieved, because this has been a six month process that left us not knowing our future, but now we had our concrete answer and now we can jump in and begin this journey. We are really excited, because the people at this church have really been loving and accepting to us, even though we are uniquely different, not in our beliefs, but in how we choose to live and carry them out.

We look forward to the highs and lows that lie ahead. Our eyes and hearts are focused on the person of Jesus, and we are striving to live Him out in our lives. We hope that even though we may look and speak differently, that the people of this church and community will be able to see how committed we are to each other, Jesus, and to loving them. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, because this is my first time being a pastor. I have decided not to let the title change the person that I am. My goal is still to be the same old Scott, and to remain faithful to who God has created me to be.

Raise the Sun: A Must Have Album by Five A.M.!

You guys have got to check my friend Trent's new album Raise the Sun. He is the lead vocalist for a group called FIVE A.M. They are great and this new album is by far the best stuff I have heard in a long time.

So go to ITunes and download your copy, today. My personal favorite is Be Still.

Here's To New Adventures...

The last time I blogged, I had just gone through my first pastoral interview. Now today, I find myself reminiscing over my first day preaching as a pastor-to-be. I feel almost like I am running for a political office sometimes, instead of seeking a place to serve. The plan is, I preach before the congregation for three weeks, then they will come together the following weekend and vote on whether or not they feel as a congregation, that I am the person for the job. I am told that this is the way my denomination does business, and although I am not quite sure of all the workings, so far it seems o.k.

For Allyssa and I, this has been an interesting journey and it keeps getting more and more interesting. I had asked one of the deacons I had been communicating back and forth with if we could have lunch with the whole church on the first Sunday we came out, and he said we could. So yesterday we did this, and it was a great time. You can learn a lot about people while sharing a meal with them, plus I really enjoy eating.

For the morning service, I got the opportunity to share with them about my life journey thus far. I know that some would say that that would be a risky thing to do, but I just wanted them to know that I am the real deal, meaning that I try to always be myself and not change depending on who I am around. They were very receptive of it, and seemed to really enjoy it. I told them that I think being a Christ follower is about having fun and not taking ourselves so serious. I think Jesus had to have had a wonderful sense of humor to have all of those people hanging around, and he seemed to really enjoy life before he died. I think we must follow his lead, and enjoy the life we have been given, and not just look to the life we will have one day after death. What a waste it would be to live your life dreaming of only heaven, then waking up there and God saying, "I never knew you while you were on earth."

All in all it was a great time. I asked my wife what she thought, and she said that she felt very welcomed and at home. I can say that I concur, and I am curious where the next couple of weeks will lead. I am excited about the possibility of getting a chance to invite a group of people into my life and taking part of this journey with us. I am prayerful and hopeful that everyone involved will follow God's lead, and that He would be glorified in everything that takes place. Please remember us in your thoughts and prayers, as we step out into this endeavor, and pray that we will stay true to who God created us to be and not conform to norm that is expected in most cases.

Interview Update

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.

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.