Breaking the Silence - News! News! News!

I haven't blogged in the last couple of weeks because there has been so much I couldn't say.

On Feb. 8th I learned that the promised March 1 apppointment wasn't going to happen - not at all. That was all I was told. I had no idea what if anything was coming next.

Then a week later, I was presented with an opportunity for a different kind of appointment. I spent a weekend in prayer and very privately consulting a couple of close confidants. The consensus was the new opportunity is a good thing.

Then for the last week, I've been waiting to hear if it would indeed become a reality, and then when it could be public knowledge.

Today everything fell into place, and I'm happy to tell you that I have been appointed to ………… The Conference Office. Yes, you read correctly. I’m staying right where I’ve been assigned temporarily for the last 5 months. It seems that the new director was pleased with what I accomplished and believes I can be an asset to his vision for the Connectional Ministries Office. He requested that I be appointed here, and the cabinet has agreed. This appointment will run at least through June of 2009. It is my hope that it will continue for three years, but in the UMC you only know for a year at a time.

This is good because:
-I am enjoying what I’m doing here. I can see where my gifts and skills will make a difference and be helpful.
-Our family will not be moving in the near future. manBoy will continue his education in suburbia.
- We will maintain our association with and participation at Beloved Home Church. manBoy will stick with the youth leaders he's come to know and love. Gifted & Talented will continue to play in the worship band.
-I will be more available to my family during these last few years with manBoy at home than I would be if I was pastor in a local church.

FAQ’s:

- But MLR, didn’t you want to pastor a church?
o Yes, I do. But my heart tells me this is not the time. I truly believe this opportunity was given to me for a reason. When I realize I have just over 3 years left with manBoy at home, I know I don’t want to miss them sitting in meetings every evening. Local church pastoring will come in its time.

- Does this mean there wasn’t a church for you?
o Actually, no. The District Superintendent was on his way to talk to me about a church appointment when this came up.

- What about preaching?
o I will still preach some at beloved home church, and for other pastors who need to be gone for one reason or another. I have preached and conducted worship 7 times since September, which is more opportunities than many associate pastors have.

- Will this affect your probationary period for ordination?
o No. This was one concern that the DS checked out very carefully. We didn’t want to do anything to endanger my ordination. I will probably be asked to do some things (like teach and/or preach) in Beloved local church, but this appointment still counts toward my probationary period.