Final Thoughts

Reflection is good for the soul. Or at least that’s what I’ve been told, so today, I’m doing a little bit of reflecting. In a few short weeks, Joy, the boys and I will make our way to Lancaster, KY and fill the Lead Pastor role at Lancaster UMC. We’re so thankful for our time here in Louisville and are very excited about being a part of Garrard County and the Lancaster community. At this point, it’s difficult to not start looking forward and dreaming new dreams and seeing new visions. Today, however, is not for that, it’s for taking a minute to look back and smile.

This past monday I, along with 9 other commissioned individuals, were fully ordained and connected with the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. It was such an amazing day and while I could never fully put into words all I felt, I thought I’d share a little about it.

Early Monday morning, we gathered for rehearsal for that evenings service. After a picture, the real fun began. We were introduced to the conference and were asked the Historic questions of our denomination. As I stood on the stage with my fellow ordinands, the history of the moment hit me. My mentors have answered the same questions. Ordination is a communal act and the words, though charged to me at that moment, were a reflection of each one in that room who had said yes to God’s call. Looking out over the room, I could see clergy who I call friends, smiling and excited for me. What an honor!

After the clergy session officially voted and welcomed us in, and the session ended, we went to lunch with our Bishop. It should be noted, I’m a Bishop Lindsey Davis fan! I’ve had the privilege of sitting at the table with him many times, he baptized my children, and we spent time together in Israel. I trust his leading and heart for the Church. He shared with us and I once again found myself inspired to lead well. I found myself realizing the connectedness that we were now sharing – the holiness, even over lunch was palpable.

After a few more afternoon sessions, it was time to put on the robe and head for the Ordination service. We entered the room to singing and this immediate sense of awe grabbed my attention. My grandmother, who passed away several years ago, must have been the muse for the worship planners, because hymns and prayers all seemed to remind me of her. Sitting behind me, I could feel the warmth of family from all over (Louisville, NC, FL, and OH).

Bishop Leeland from the Alabama-West Florida Conference preached the evening sermon. It was quite possibly the best ordination sermon I’ve heard, and I’ve heard a few by now. His words inspired, but they also challenged and warned. I found myself seeing that God had crafted the moment – that His words were in the Bishops words.

As Bishop Leeland finished, we stood once more for the final response to Ordination. We walked together to the side of the stage and I was joined by my wife and my mentor, Dr. Strunk. I wish I could describe the immensity of the moment. We walked up the ramp and I knelt at the rail. As Bishop Davis placed his hand on my head, I felt the hands of 6 or more join his on my shoulders, neck and arms. The weight of the moment came crashing in on me – both literally and figuratively. As Bishop prayed, I began to tremble – we were on holy ground.

I stood up and Bishop Davis smiled and shook my hand. Bishop Leeland smiled and said “well done.” I was then handed my paperwork and a stole was put on my shoulders by my friend Rev. Kevin Burney. The president of the Conference UMW gave me a gift and I began to walk off the stage. Joy and I smiled and shared a quick kiss. George gave me a hug and he said how proud he was of me. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

As the service came to and end, Bishop gave an invitation for any who may be wrestling with a divine call. A young woman came forward and as I watched her, my emotions broke through. I watched as clergy surrounded her and began praying with her. This was not just a summons to a job, but the beginning of an adventure with Holy underpinnings.

My family and friends mobbed me at the end of the service. I’m pretty sure the smile couldn’t have been any larger. As congratulations were shared, I realized that this was not an end, but a beginning. It was a new door that I was now walking into. Sure, change is bound to come, and I’ll serve other churches, but this change marked me.

Not everyone is called to be ordained or do what I do. I’ve actually been known to talk some out of pursuing this position. It’s not for everyone. It’s not that it’s better than any other role – it’s different, it’s set apart, but it is A role in the church. We all have roles – we all have callings. Some are to ordained ministry, but others are to finance, or architecture, or agriculture or making sure that goods and services are available. Each and every one of us have an ordination of sorts – we all need that moment to commit and submit that all we do will be for the Glory of the King.

Friend, I don’t know what tomorrow holds for you, but I do pray that whatever task looms before, you will know that God has called you. God has set you up to shine out a Glory that can only come from above. May you see His hand in your life and how you’ve been set apart to do something that will expand the Kingdom. May you know that you have a purpose and job in front of you – a task that invites you, no matter the field you are in, to extend a radically beautiful God-Love with all you meet.

Grace and Peace –

Jim