Ok...so 2009 has come in all it's glory. We are experiencing record breaking cold in northern Illinois and I'm confused...again. If you remember I came back to northern Illinois to pick up my work with a church I'd left after 3 years of work with them. I was gone for 8 months when I returned with great fanfare and enthusiasm from the members here. I left behind the single most satisfying ministry work I've ever been involved in to return here. I had the full support and encouragement of godly men as Shepherds and the friendship of many Christians. Except for my own personal failure to fit in to the community it was perfect.
But "home" called. The place that Sue felt most comfortable came knocking with promises of changes in the leadership style and focus, along with an amazing ministry with a volunteer Fire Department as a Chaplain. So I left Tallahassee, FL to come back to the north country and pick-up my ministry where I left off.
So after 9 months back it has become obvious that the leadership wasn't really ready to change...they simply wanted someone to "fill the empty ministry place" and not help them move forward. In fact, as it has turned out, the frustrations have been far worse than what I experienced toward the end of my first stint here. I honestly wonder how long they will "put up" with my pushing and prodding to move ahead and become the people God has called us to be.
All of this serves as a real assault on my sense of well being. I love ministry. I enjoy the challenges it brings. I believe God has given me a talent that allows me to challenge people in a way that helps them to become better. My Fire Department work defines who I am and helps me to remain well grounded and aware of what's really happening outside the walls of the church.
So...what's the answer? I think I've found the answer but I'm not sure I want to follow through. God has a plan. He will reveal it when He is good and ready. In the mean time what I can do is continue to give my energy and effort to helping the people of this congregation become true servants. God will move me when He's ready for me to go. He will provide the relief that I need when the time is right.
Lord, help me to see what you have in store for me. Help me to accept my proper place in life and in Your kingdom.
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Hey Dan - Jr here. Not sure if you remember me down here in Tallahassee but you probably remember by son Gideon! (everybody does)
I am taking classes now and am on my way to earning a M.Div at HUGSR in Memphis, TN. We are looking to move closer to the area so I can go full-time and finish the 84-credit requirement by 2012. I'm enjoying it so far!
I'm saddened to hear of this trial for you. Is there any news since this post? What is it that they are so hesitant in doing?
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