Reflections on 24 years of Artisanship and Pastoring

Today is the 24th anniversary of my ordination. It is a day of reflection, gratitude and prayer.

My favorite devotional book is written for pastors, The Art of Pastoring by William Martin. And while I love his devotions, I am not so thrilled with his title. I believe that, as a pastor, I am more of an artisan than artist. As I see it, artists create beauty, but artisans apply a specific set of skills to bring the beauty out of that which already exists. As a pastor, I feel my role is to help steward the beauty of the ministry that the Spirit has fashioned at Sheridan. I simply use some skills to enhance the beauty that God has made within the church.

What I love about my ministry these days is simply watching Sheridan’s people create a sense of community, while serving, learning and embodying joy. This takes intentionality, commitment and sacrifice. When ministry comes together it is beautiful, just as art or music or great literature. I’m so fortunate to have front row seat for this beauty each day.

To all those who have slogged through my journey of “becoming” a pastor, I am grateful for your patience and guidance. I certainly feel I am learning and have learned more than I have taught. Even more, the life I have received is so much more than what I have given. I thank God for this call. I thank God for you.

I wish to thank my family. Rose has walked each step with me in ministry, sacrificing a “normal” life for the sake of the church; and Emilie and Alex who grew up sharing their dad with everyone else each and every day.

Finally, as this is a day of greater prayer for me, I pray for the church – not just Sheridan, but God’s church in Christ Jesus. I pray that the pendulum of relevance will again swing towards us. But until it does, I pray that we may learn what we need to learn in order to welcome, with love, all of God’s children.