Preaching

I have been preaching now for about three weeks. Not three weeks straight, but three weeks in a row. I have found it rather amazing how God continues to give me what I need in order speak on a Sunday morning. I was originally very worried about content and the amount of content. My biggest fear was irrelevancy. However, up to this point, God has provided me with so much content. Today I actually had to cut out about have of my message because it was too long.

After the service, several people have spoken to me about how God was using what I said to speak into their lives. This is incredible. I really appreciate that they do not simply say, "hey that was a good job." They tell me what I said and how it is applicable to their lives. This is God at work. I cannot do this apart from Him (Jn 15).

I am sure as time goes on I will have seasons both good and bad when it comes to messages. Thankfully it is the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of people, and not dependent on just me. I trust He will continue to guide and direct me as I seek direction on what to speak on. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!

I don't like being sick

It is now the second week of living in Iowa, and I am sick for the second time. I am really hoping that this is not a trend for me. I am sure it won't be, but still. 

Stepping into the role if pastor I have felt that I am stepping I to what I have always been called to. The last two years have been long. We have felt in limbo not sure where we belong. Although the transition to a new place has its difficulties, and the church had its issues, I am confident this is whee we are supposed to be. 

Transformational leadership has been an incredible aid for this step in my life. Although I miss the old cohort, I am thankful to have taken a year off. God works all things to the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. 

What has given me the most anxiety has been Sunday morning messages. My greatest fear is to he irrelevant. Lord in pray you will help me to speak in such a way that people are drawn to you and you alone. I am thankful that my classes have aided me in content and direction. The cool thing is I am not doing it on purpose. God places in my heart the need to speak on identity. The last classes with Tony have spoken directly into this topic. God is good. 

Week One

I am finishing up my first week if being a sr pastor. It has been pretty much what I expected up to this point. It seems every church has its own quirks, but they also seem to be synonymous with issues from  churches I have served in the past. 

After everything is said and done, I am so full of joy. I am tired, but ready and excited for the adventure. I know this is what I am supposed to be doing and am glad to be in a place to fulfill Gods call on my life. It has its challenges, and my family is struggling still to translation. However, it is good. God is good.