To think that it has been over two (2) months since my last blog is beyond belief or comprehension! In surveying the record, my last post was on Nov. 21, 2009. Since that time, I have continued to find myself immersed in both my work and ministry as I have sought to prioritize my relationship with my Father and family. To say that I have a newfound respect for the bi-vocational Pastor would be an understatement. To comprehend what a bivocational Pastor experiences from day to day can be incomprehensible to a full-time Pastor, much less the laity! I have come to value many different aspects of God's grace along the way. First, I value time off, particularly time with D'Ani and the boys. Secondarily, I value the impromptu gift of God's Holy Spirit in the preaching moment. You may ask why? It is because various demands can at times rob the minister/pastor of the usual study time he may feel that is needed. Strangely, I believe the Father is strengthening my preaching as I dance with my challenges through this stage and phase of my spiritual growth, development and maturation. In addition, I have sensed a sharper motivation and desire to see my people grow, serve and share the gospel! Some of this may be slightly selfish in one sense....because I don't want to be bivocational all of my life! But I must also say...my love and commitment to God's plan for my life far exceeds my little selfish inclinations and tendencies.
With all that being said, my trade is chaplancy!!!! Which means, I am paid to pray, encourage and uplift others in need. In a real sense, I am in full time ministry. I strongly believe now that every seminary graduate should do a minimum of one year in chaplancy at a hospital or healthcare instituion. Nothing compares; and nothing can develop such pastoral prowess and ministerial grit. That being said, I cannot imagine what the pastor goes through-the pastor who is entrenched in a profession that isn't even remotely connected to ministry. My point -let's keep all Pastors...bivocational or not...in our prayers!!!
3 comments:
And the church said Amen. I'm with you Kraig. Thank God that he is control of the ends of the earth and ordains the affairs of all men.
In due season I just believe that God will open the doors for fulltime ministry for both of us. Like you I have no desire to be bivocational all my life and God knows that. But evidently God also knows something I don't or I would be doing fulltime ministry. For Know rest and bask in His Sovereignty and by Faith be ready to move when He opens the door.
Continually praying for you, your family and your work.
Tony R.
Hey Kraig thanks for all of your encouraging comments on my blog. Wow...I really feel special. This is the first time I have ever had a whole family post on my blog, well I guess with the exception of your brother Keith.
You are a great encourager. I appreciate you brother.
Tony R.
Hey Kraig stay encouraged my brother.I am praying God's desire adn strength with characterize your heart as you continue the hard work of Pastoral Ministry. It's tough but our God is able Reverend!!!
Please keep me in your prayers man.
Tell D and the family and your mom we said hello.
Love you doc,
Tony R.
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