The next step...

Well, after a year of stepping back an evaluating what God has called me to do, I am entering back into more in depth ministry. Of course, I could never take a year off without doing ANYTHING, but I didn't play music, I didn't preach, I didn't teach a class of any kind, and I am not on the leadership team. These things will, once again, begin to incorporate back into my life slowly. I feel like God has called me in a direction that I may never have gone without this time away. I got so focused on music that I just figured that was what God had called me to for the rest of my life. However, after this year, I have decided that someday, I want to be a senior pastor. Of course, my ideal situation would be to go on staff somewhere as an associate just so I can get used to the everyday aspects of full-time ministry. I have SOOO much to learn. I spent the better part of 15 years learning music ministry, and being a worship leader...so I have a lot of ground to make up in the administrative and pastoring side of things. I am fortunate, however, to have, in my opinion, the best pastor in the country to learn from - my dad. He may not be the prolific speaker that some pastors are, but he is twice the shepherd of any pastor I have ever seen. I am praying, daily, for God to give me the same kind of love for people that he has...it is something that can only genuinely happen supernaturally.
I can see times where I feel more that way, but it certainly has not become a way of life for me yet. I do like people, and I a pretty social person, but I am still learning, and developing, a genuine love for all people...going beyond my circle of friends. I think part of that is going to mean me coming out of my shell, and putting myself out there a little more. I have decided that I will not set any dates for my ministry...when the doors open, I will look, and pray, and eventually decide if it is God opening the door for me, or if it's just an open door. I am lucky enough to have a job that I love, so I am in no hurry to quit to jump at any open door. I am trying to get into my reading and preparation that way, but right now, text books are consuming all of my reading time. I hope that I will have more chance - and desire - to read this summer, and be able to crank out a few books during that time.
So, until next time...