Yesterday the committee overseeing my ordination process certified me ready to receive a call.
Now I can start writing the long resume form my denomination uses for everyone looking for ministry jobs, and basically I can start formally looking for jobs really soon.
I know about the realities of finding ministry jobs in the current economy. I have a plan. I have good people helping me figure things out. One of the hardest things, though, was for me to say first to myself and then out loud “I’m ready!”
(This picture is from the First Presbyterian Church of Franklinville in Franklinville, NY where I spent some time this summer.)
It hit me sometime this summer that I was ready when I was bored with a certain task. This task was something that during my first internship had been really difficult and had become rote. I knew I was ready for more.
A pastor friend recently told me something to the point of “I thought I was ready before I got ordained, too.” He said this in a sad way, like he couldn’t believe how naive he was. Well, at least I know I’m partially naive. There is plenty about ministry I know I don’t know about. There is plenty seminary can’t teach you and you can’t experience in field ed.
But I’m ready to try. It helps that others who are farther along the journey of life and ministry have certified me ready unofficially and now officially.
I’m ready. I’m present. I have lots of people supporting me. I’m willing to fail for Jesus.
A special word of thanks to my Dad, my Session liaison John, my pastor Anita, and my friend David for supporting me yesterday.
