Monday, February 27, 2012

The Blessing of Ordination

Laura and I had the opportunity to attend two ordinations in two cities on Sunday. Some may think watching paint dry would be more enjoyable than sitting through about two and a half hours of worship across the state of Georgia, but for the two of us we were thrilled to be able to celebrate the calls to ministry that each of these McAfee graduates feel upon their lives from God.

We had the chance to experience two well crafted services by our former classmates and now members of the cloth, first in Macon and then in Atlanta. We were able to hear from former professors and employers about the sincerity with which of these individuals have already begun to act upon God's call on their lives and gave advice for the bumpy, but rewarding road ahead. Words of encouragement and challenge filled the air as these members of the church were set apart to lead God's people in distinct and unique ways.

The opportunity also brought memories rushing back to me of my own ordination in July of last year. The event that sometimes seems so far away due to my current professional position became very close and real as I recalled the emotions, words, and faces of that day at First Baptist Church of Elon, NC.

The emotions were so real that day. I felt the joy of love from friends and family from near and far. I also felt the burden with which had been and still is placed upon my shoulder as a minister seeking to follow God's will in a special way. I in no way count myself as the shepherd, but instead attempt to be among the leading sheep that help others become closer to the shepherd. The tears that ran down my face that afternoon as individuals whispered words of love and challenge are still fresh and push me as well as uplift me to this day.

The opportunity to relive these emotions as well as offer my own words of care and challenge on Sunday was a special one. I look forward to the days that lay ahead in my own call to live up to the challenges placed before me as well as to rely upon those who were with me or sent their prayers along to me. I also look forward to seeing the call of God upon Rachel and Zach grow and flourish as they build the Kingdom up with each life they encounter.