Transitions to a New Calling........
Lewistown, Montana
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Lewistown, Montana
We are stepping out of the boat
into what we believe is a calling to lead a redevelopment/restart church
in Lewistown, Montana. This is a great fit for us, and we hope
to put to effective use at the district level some of the training the C&MA
has provided and the experience God has blessed us with in identifying, assessing,
and coaching emerging workers.
So, how did this transpire? We are looking at this opportunity with 5 questions, the "Calling Filter" that we have applied in the past:
1. Is it ROOTED IN SCRIPTURE and PRAYER?
The following passage has been very significant for Kristi and I over the past months. As we have revisited the idea of calling, God has reminded us of our passion for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, in and through the local church.......
2. Is it RIGHT?
Specifically, is it a right fit for Kristi and I? Numerous assessments have revealed that we are wired for church planting and redevelopment work, so the current need fits us. The small town envionment of Montana is also a great fit for us. For our marriage, a return to pastoral ministry is a much preferred fit over the current ministry that requires travel alone. There is also a clear fit with our passion for church ministry. We have longed to be back in direct transformational leadership.
3. Is it RIGHTEOUS?
Clearly, the move from a denominational position to a small town pastorate is counter-intuitive. Why would we leave a position linked with a Bible School where there is opportunity for a broader influence? Wanting to become more like Jesus is often a step toward the more discouraged, the broken and hurting, and going to a marginalized distant town is Christ-like.
4. Is it RIGHTLY CONFIRMED BY OTHERS?
Those who know us best have been speaking into our lives the past few years about being back in a pastoral leadership role. The opportunity in Lewistown is timely. Family have been very affirming that Montana is a good "homeward" direction for us.
5. Is it REVEALED and ACCENTED through PROVIDENTIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?
A visiting missionary talked through the story of Jonah. The questions that we applied had to do with the shaded vine of current comforts. If we fail to go to Montana, would it mean a downward spiral like it was for Jonah? Words and events over a 72 hour period put the final exclamation point in ink for us.
SO........
We count it a great privilege and honor to have been able to serve these past 3 years as mobilizers of emerging leaders. Thanks for your prayers. More news will be coming as things develop. Current plans are to move in July. We are excited to be back on the front lines of pastoral ministry.
So, how did this transpire? We are looking at this opportunity with 5 questions, the "Calling Filter" that we have applied in the past:
1. Is it ROOTED IN SCRIPTURE and PRAYER?
The following passage has been very significant for Kristi and I over the past months. As we have revisited the idea of calling, God has reminded us of our passion for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, in and through the local church.......
Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion —
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion —
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
NIV
2. Is it RIGHT?
Specifically, is it a right fit for Kristi and I? Numerous assessments have revealed that we are wired for church planting and redevelopment work, so the current need fits us. The small town envionment of Montana is also a great fit for us. For our marriage, a return to pastoral ministry is a much preferred fit over the current ministry that requires travel alone. There is also a clear fit with our passion for church ministry. We have longed to be back in direct transformational leadership.
3. Is it RIGHTEOUS?
Clearly, the move from a denominational position to a small town pastorate is counter-intuitive. Why would we leave a position linked with a Bible School where there is opportunity for a broader influence? Wanting to become more like Jesus is often a step toward the more discouraged, the broken and hurting, and going to a marginalized distant town is Christ-like.
4. Is it RIGHTLY CONFIRMED BY OTHERS?
Those who know us best have been speaking into our lives the past few years about being back in a pastoral leadership role. The opportunity in Lewistown is timely. Family have been very affirming that Montana is a good "homeward" direction for us.
5. Is it REVEALED and ACCENTED through PROVIDENTIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?
A visiting missionary talked through the story of Jonah. The questions that we applied had to do with the shaded vine of current comforts. If we fail to go to Montana, would it mean a downward spiral like it was for Jonah? Words and events over a 72 hour period put the final exclamation point in ink for us.
SO........
We count it a great privilege and honor to have been able to serve these past 3 years as mobilizers of emerging leaders. Thanks for your prayers. More news will be coming as things develop. Current plans are to move in July. We are excited to be back on the front lines of pastoral ministry.
Would you like to be on the reminder list? Send us an email, and we will send you reminders when we post new devotionals.
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