Called to pastor

Praise!

I have been called to the pulpit once again.

 

Sort of... The church is in Sheboygan, a city we've never even been to before. Nice place though. Bratwurst capital of the world! Also has a great lakefront on the shores of Lake Michigan. Real fishing village feel to some of it. And, yes, there are commercial fisheries on Lake Michagan. Fresh Coho Salmon and Lake Trout will be a part of our diet from here on.

Church is smallish, and I've been quite vocal about prefering "big church." It will be a trial to go back to what we are heading for, but the people are good, VERY eager to grow.

They have a history of pastor issues -- like many small churches (that's part of the reason they are still small). One about 10 years ago did EVERYTHING and when he left, the church was like a widow who never even learned to pump her own gasoline. They had a long break between then called a real "go-getter" pastor, who ended up abusive to the congregation. He called them out from the pulpit and told them how stupid, worthless, etc., they were. He was also racist and chased away about 30+ hispanics who had settled into the church. Not a good way to get a flock to a healthy state. I've been under a few pastors like that and there is a special place that God has reserved for them... :BangHead:

I will lead and teach, and as a bi-vocational man, I will have to rely on the church to get things done. Only so much of me to go around. Of course, I will equip the saints for ministry, starting with the man who surrendered into ministry during my sermon in view of a call. Wonder how many new pastors have that happen? Can't wait to get started with mentoring him.

Oh, and the church is "surprisingly" diverse. We have all ages, and just about all races with hispanics, blacks, and Aisians, plus of course a few white folks as well. I like that! Best is that they love each other and have been together for quite some time. Still need more youth and young couples, but there are a few, and with a few we can attract more as God sends them our way.

 

Interestingly, my office decor is all wrapped around "fishing" artifacts. I have a bunch of antique lures, rods, reels, wall hangings, etc. Of course, though I enjoy fishing for fish, I greatly prefer "fishing for men." :thumbsup:

 

Thanks guys!

I'll post. I have the site up while I'm working on sermons.

I do have to curtail my posting during daylight hours though. I slightly injured my knee and took some liberties with school computers for a bit, but if I keep that up sooner or later the hammer will fall!