i start again tomorrow
Tomorrow I start full time as the pastor of Rothesay Vineyard, yet again, and I’m feeling very, very nervous. Why? Here’s a few theories, one or all of which may be true:
1. It’s the first time in four years I’ve been responsible for a church?
2. the last time I was responsible for a church, I was excused from the ministry for “insubordination” (and I’m a little skiddish as a result)?
3. for the last four years, I’ve been free as a bird and unaccountable to anyone?
4. now I have a real job where I can’t just do as I please?
5. I have teenagers who aren’t the perfect little pastor’s kids?
6. I was always called to be an artist, and I’m running away from the terrible insecurity of that profession that has only got me further in debt?
7. last time I became pastor of this church, it split (definition of insanity: doing the same thing while expecting different results)?
8. I feel this church is about to be pushed deeper into the radical grace of God in Jesus and I’m not sure how we’re going to take it or how well I’ll lead it?
9. doug and I won’t be doing this together in the same way… I’ll miss him and I’m afraid of the loneliness and isolation?
10. responsibility for a church is a fearful thing… I SHOULD be nervous?
Any thoughts or prayers?
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I pray that God uses you for His perfect will dispite your objections or doubts. I believe you will be fine.
thanks for your prayers. maybe you should pray for the church too
Well, if the task is that daunting…why not just give up?
But you probably won’t, will you?
nope. i won’t!
Cheering you on!
thanks bri
I’m interested in hearing more about #8….
We’re with you!
It’s yet another shift. How many shifts have we experienced at Rothesay Vineyard? Maybe we just don’t know the shape of this one yet. Patience, David
I’m more concerned about #2. What is “skiddish”? I hope you mean “skittish” because “skiddish” makes me think of dirty underwear…
Holy Crap…the opportunity that lies ahead. In every leaders life there is insecurities, unless your a narsisist (sp).
My advice: Concentrate on the many joys and positives that are going to happen. People want to be led into the future - not lement over the past. Cut the frickin anchor and let your boat sail into what God want this church to be!
I say: Giddy up and ride ‘em cowboy!
well, fred, skittishness leads to skiddishness
I really don’t know you at all - just enjoy your comics
I can tell you that I have been around the church long enough to know you are not going to please everyone - impossible!
So your focus should be on pleasing Christ - preach from the Bible - nothing less - and don’t wash it down. Don’t neglect truth because it may offend the person in the pew - tell it like it is - it will not come back void…
…if all else fails come get another Masters at Tyndale (www.tyndale.ca) = shameless plug
Dear David my friend.
A loving voice from Newmarket, Springfield, Boston and now Burlington…
May God give you, Lisa and your dear children all the strength you need…indeed He shall.
He is the one who does more than all we can ask or imagine according to His power at work within you…
Love you friend,
Scott
Dave, as far as your kids go they are amazing! I came to that conculsion as someone who watches from a distance and I have nothing but respect for whatever it is that you and Lisa are doing in raising your kids.
Who cares if they aren’t cookie cutter perfect (in that imagined pastor’s kids role) yuck…what bondage to dump on them and I feel safe in saying that you would never let any church body do that to them. If people are to narrow minded to realize that kids blaze their own trails, make their mistakes and find God ultimately on their own terms then to bad!
As far as you taking over full-time…well it is a good thing. Your past blog on revealing that pastoring a church… our church is your bliss…well I for one feel very comforted knowing that you are leading us from a place of inner contentment. I’m sad Doug has stepped down but God is opening up other doors for him to step through. It was nice having both of you as a team again….but change is good.
I like what John says in #9 & Andy in #11…lets cut the anchor and set sail…the water maybe turbulant at times but my prayer is that Jesus is teaching us to walk on water with him and he will calm any major storms for us. I for one want to move on…and I feel very grateful that you are back in fightin form (meaning strong) to take us there…
thanks wendy… you say all the right things
David,
As a new friend I’ll definitely keep you in prayer. I’ve had the pleasure of being removed from ministry before, many years ago and while it didn’t affect my underwear it did make me skittish to get back in the saddle again. God is gracious though and loves us more than we will ever get our hearts or heads around. If you need anything just let me know and I’ll do what I can to help you walk this out. The only reason I’m where I am today is because others did this for me, so how could I do less for you? Oh and visit Dan Wilt every now and then - he has a knack for telling you not to give up when it really matters.
much love and prayers.
Frank
good words, frank and everyone. thanks.
My prayers and good thoughts for you in this new season. It sounds like your intention is there (which is all you can be responsible for, plus hard work, of course) and Spirit will do the rest.
NO FEAR
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid…for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
You’re going to be fine.
Well David, let’s just cancel out #2 right now. From one insubordinate to another.
thanks rebel!