A New Beginning

November 5th, 2007 | by Scott |

Yesterday morning was the kind of day I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Back in June some godly people and friends of mine sat me down and told me that I needed a sabbatical from ministry.

In many ways that is what I have had over the last 3+ months. Yesterday was the first sermon I had preached in 5 weeks and it felt great to be back in the pulpit again.

And it felt tremendous to be a part of a growing, vibrant and healthy church. For the first time in a long time I can truly say that I am home.

The day began at 8:30 as I met with the Shepherds and the Youth Minister for a short period of prayer before services began. Yes, there is a youth minister here. That means that for the first time since January 2002 I am not the only minister on staff.

(Note: said youth minister’s name is Adam and he blogs as well. Check it out.)

I then got to sit in our adult class as one of our members did a great job leading a discussion on loving relationships.

When worship assembly began 27 college students from places as far away as Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan, China and Rwanda descended upon the Sanctum. I like to say that they were there just for my first Sunday but that is not exactly the truth. One of our members is an OC student active among the international students. He brought them all home to celebrate his birthday. It was just convenient timing.

Some lively worship led into my first sermon here. I opted to preach on Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter in John 21. The thrust was elemental in nature but appropriate for my inaugural address: God can and does use broken and damaged people to do great things. I am testament to that.

We followed that up with a great potluck and wonderful fellowship. Last night we met with our small group for the first time and came away feeling so blessed that there are so many couples our age with children.

Over the last few months I have flirted with a lot of different directions. I have wondered if ministry was what I needed to be doing. I have questioned, wandered and hurt. I’ve struggled with depression, hurt feelings and the pain of watching our closest friends in Waco ostensibly turning their backs on us.

But that is in the past and we talk about it no more. For now we look forward.

And we are home. God is good and He deserves all the praise for using this broken individual.

  1. 3 Responses to “A New Beginning”

  2. By Krister on Nov 5, 2007 | Reply

    I’m glad to hear that you’re in a better place (in all senses of the phrase). As one who has struggled with depression I can empathize with your desert time. I rejoice with you and your family on finding the path toward fulfillment and spiritual renewal. Peace.

  3. By Scott on Nov 5, 2007 | Reply

    Krister, thanks for the kindness. It’s been amazing how those who have helped to sustain me over the past few months are those who I don’t have the luxury of seeing face to face. God is in the tubes.

  4. By Dan on Nov 7, 2007 | Reply

    Way to go, dude - good for you.

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