Living Beyond the Call
There are very few moments in faith that are seared on my mind quite like when I felt called to ministry. I remember very distinctly having God speak into my life while I was working for the college at a summer camp. I immediately went and called my parents, who were nothing but supportive and affirming.
Even today, I can think of the people who affirmed and guided me in the midst of that call. These are the, individuals who encouraged me to move forward and expand my view of how God might want to use me. Their words and insights allowed me to believe that I could actually do what God was calling me to.
As I reflect on those days and the people who spoke into my life, I am reminded of what I often told others who were on the same journey. “God calls, I listen, and the church confirms.” In many ways I still believe that.
The other night I was having dinner with friends when one of them asked me, “Why did you turn in your credentials/ordination?” It’s a great question. In many ways, giving those back symbolized a clear ending to that call. Returning the ordination papers brought closure to 27 years of ministry in and with the church.
The interesting thing is that when I was obtaining my ordination, the process seemed somewhat easy for me and difficult for the church. What I mean by this is that I was called to serve in the church. I knew the call was real, and I understood the impact of that call in my life. Yet, the church required quite a bit from me. I had to take classes in theology. I had to meet annually with a couple of boards to ensure that I my theology was in line with the denomination. I had to serve as a staff member for numerous years before I could receive the confirmation and ordination of the church. It was a long drawn out process.
The reverse was true when I returned my credentials (ordination). It was a struggle for me and easy for the church. I wrestled for a long time with the idea of returning them. It was an identifying factor in my faith. You see, I was more than saved or sanctified. I was called. Yet, when I gave them back, all the church asked was that I sign a paper and give back the certificate. The leadership of the church didn’t ask why or enquire as to how I had arrived at this place. I simply handed them to the secretary at the desk of the leadership office and said thanks. That was it. Twenty-seven years of service and a hand shake.
Since I returned them to the denomination in January 2019, I have heard very little from the church I gave 27 years of my career to. Many of the people who encouraged me along the way have been silent and absent from this portion of my journey. I did have a few very close friends who had walked the path with me and mourned with me, but by enlarge the church was and is silent.
All of this brings me back to the earlier question my friend asked me, “Why did you give back your credentials/ordination?” Thanks for asking. Here are the reasons and thoughts behind it for me.
The church (my denomination) has some simple and basic things they ask if you intend to keep your credentials. They ask you to attend a couple of yearly meetings, work on continuing education, and serve on staff in a local church or ministry associated with the denomination.
I didn’t necessarily see myself going back into the local ministry. While I was always willing to pray about it, consider it, and even discuss it, I just wasn’t sure that was my path. It would take a very clear calling from God for me to feel like that was where God wanted me at this time.
With a new career and limited time off I found it very difficult to attend meetings, maintain the continuing education, and find a church to serve on staff.
Most importantly for me, the church was no longer confirming my call. While I had numerous opportunities to serve as an interim pastor, once I began to see my time ending at the university, I no longer received any enquiries from the church. I made several attempts to get into leadership positions with the general church, universities, and even a couple of churches with little or no interest. For me this was confirmation that the church I had given my career to was no longer interested in me serving in a leadership capacity.
I must confess there were some days where I really struggled with the reality of no longer serving in the church. I had given 27 years to the church. The interesting thing is that now that I’m out I really do not miss the role of leadership within the church. I still serve in numerous ways. I have a second-grade boy that I mentor at a local school. I serve on a foundation board at my local church. I consistently have pastors, leaders, and university personnel who are needing a new career or job change, call to ask how I transitioned out. That, in many ways, has become my greatest opportunity for ministry.
There are scores of pastors (both staff and senior) who need out, are being forced out, or have burned out of ministry. The problem is that while the church goes to great lengths to prepare you to serve, they do nothing to help you transition to something new. You have to find your own way out. There is no one to assist these men and women in this critical time of change. They are left to figure out a new path, career, and way of serving outside of the church and it can be very difficult.
Long-term my goal is to be more than just a voice of wisdom. My desire it to be a significant resource for men and women who need a new path. I want to provide avenues and resources for them as they locate new careers. It is a real need and one that I hope I can assist in.
Please know if you or a friend need words of wisdom or guidance in the midst of the transition, I am happy to assist. Simply email at the link above. As always, thanks for joining us on the journey.
