20070130

Prayer requested

I have been meeting with my pastor in regards to getting some more formal discipleship. I've been working on this for sometime, but last night it was sort of interesting. For some time (like since I was saved) I've been feeling a desire to be a form a teaching pastor (until last night I've never really had a term for it). My Pastor basically encouraged me to "explore this calling". He's not talking about me quiting my day job or anything. More like stepping up to teach a short seminar session at our church (in the coming months we are going to be doing quarterly seminar like things for those wanting to delve more into certain things). He asked me to pray and see if there is a topic that the Lord might lead me to speak on, and he will help me "get my thoughts together". Although I am nervous about this to some degree, I am more concerned with how my beloved will take this. Since we have been married any time this subject has come up she basically responds "I am not going to be a pastor's wife!" I know that no matter what the Lord leads me in I will need her by my side - and not kicking and fighting, but supportive and encouraging. I also know that I know enough to get in to trouble. Standing up to teach is one thing but to stand in front of God's people to lead and to teach is something more entirely. A teaching error in a 'secular' class (for lack of a better word) is a finite mistake - to make and error in the ways of God can have eternal consequences. I need to rely totally on the Holy Spirit and not my own ways... and trust that as long as I am doing what God is leading... then I can trust in His grace to cover over the rough spots. I don't know where this will all lead, but I am grateful for this opportunity to learn and to share. Please pray as you feel led - and may His glory be proclaimed and revealed. Verse for today: John 3:27-30, ESV John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” [10]

4 comments:

WMD said...

I am sure that the Lord will direct you what to do.

Just an idea.. I am not sure what type of classes or seminars your church is doing, but what if you could develop a class that paralleled the samurai with a follower of Christ.

I don't know how well that would work, but it would get a lot of people interested in what you have to say.

Keep us updated, I will keep you in my prayers.

Susan said...

Wow...that's a deep post. Let me say, I have seen many many pastor's wives who don't feel called to be one. In most cases, their spouses are second career pastors...I would start there. PRAY...ask God to work there as He will...and then see what steps you can take WITH her by your side. Because, you're right, if she's not right there with you...it will be a battle all the way.

I agree that you should do a class or something and let that be a first step.

samurai said...

I am not sure about the samurai parallel - but I will pray about it. :)

One reason I have not moved forward in this area is exactly because I do not feel that my beloved is in a place to help me.

But God knows the when/where/how. :)

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I relate to your wife. Growing up in our church, I remember saying, "I do NOT want to marry a pastor. I will not wear my hair like that or play the piano. Period." I was such a joy. Anyway, I bet her remonstrance stems from fear, of expectations, of less time with you, who knows what else. Keep praying. God is stirring your waters.