So I have begun the process of trying to work out ‘what next’. What does God have in store for me when I return from my travels? I believe ‘next’ is to move back into ministry similar to what i was doing at Subi, specifically youth pastoring or something like that. As such I have begun the task of talking to churches about possible roles.
This is the third time I have started to look into this sort of role and the second time I have actually started to speak to various pastors about it and each time i cannot help but feel like i am ‘on trial’ in the court sense. I have to be honest, I actually don’t enjoy the process. I mean, I understand it’s necessity but it is just so tough.
Not only do i feel like I am on trial, but I feel like I am placing each particular church on trial, having to almost make ‘judgements’. Now obviously I am very much relying on what i feel the Spirit saying to me, but I can’t help but shake this feeling.
Each meeting follows a pretty similar structure. It starts by me sharing where I have come from, why I have done what I have, why I am looking to do what I am looking to do, what my theology is on various topics, why, how strongly I hold to that theology. Then after I have been grilled, the tables turn and it is my turn to grill the pastor. What does he believe, what does his church look like, how involved in the community are they, whats the role I am interested in look like, how does he see it playing out etc.
Don’t get me wrong, I come away from each meeting with a positive feeling. I do like the honest nature of them, but I still find them tough!
Alternatively God could just do what he did to get me to Margaret River…simply told me to come here! This way, of course, opens up a whole DIFFERENT kettle of fish for an entirely different entry!
And to think…this is only searching for a youth ministry…I can’t begin to imagine what prospective Pastor’s go through trying to find a church to move to. Fun times!
