Uh Oh, I'm a Pastor!
A couple of weeks ago NorthStar Church voted and elected me as lead pastor.
Let that sink in for a minute. Lead pastor? Does God know what He's doing? Those of you who know me, I'm sure, will agree that it is an unexpected play on God's part. I'm 100% sure that my high school guidance counselor would not have picked "Pastor a freshly formed church in North Idaho" as my vocational path. When I first began my path toward vocational ministry, "sr. pastor" was about the last thing I thought about doing.
However, here we are. Sure of God's calling. At peace with his direction. Yet, surprised.
My church members assure me that they know what they are getting into. I doubt any of us really know that at this point! Still, we will move forward in faith, excited about seeing God work around us and through us. I know I have a lot of growing to do. My prayer is that I won't compromise or hold back one thing from God.
About an two hours ago in my office I shared with a man that he will never have real hope until he confesses with his mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believes in his heart that God raised Jesus from the grave. When I was a kid I confessed, "Jesus is Lord," and I've been trying to live that out ever since. God has shown me that my confession needs to be reflected in my life more and more. There's still more in this world that God wants me to let go of. There is still more of him that I have yet to search out. May I be implacable in my surrender, and may He be ruthless in his pursuit of me.
Let that sink in for a minute. Lead pastor? Does God know what He's doing? Those of you who know me, I'm sure, will agree that it is an unexpected play on God's part. I'm 100% sure that my high school guidance counselor would not have picked "Pastor a freshly formed church in North Idaho" as my vocational path. When I first began my path toward vocational ministry, "sr. pastor" was about the last thing I thought about doing.
However, here we are. Sure of God's calling. At peace with his direction. Yet, surprised.
My church members assure me that they know what they are getting into. I doubt any of us really know that at this point! Still, we will move forward in faith, excited about seeing God work around us and through us. I know I have a lot of growing to do. My prayer is that I won't compromise or hold back one thing from God.
About an two hours ago in my office I shared with a man that he will never have real hope until he confesses with his mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believes in his heart that God raised Jesus from the grave. When I was a kid I confessed, "Jesus is Lord," and I've been trying to live that out ever since. God has shown me that my confession needs to be reflected in my life more and more. There's still more in this world that God wants me to let go of. There is still more of him that I have yet to search out. May I be implacable in my surrender, and may He be ruthless in his pursuit of me.
To the Sandersons....
ReplyDeleteI've know you guys don't know me but I have been praying for your family and Northstar for the last few years. I am excited about this "new" direction God has for your lives and will continue to pray for your passion for North Idaho. Please let me know if we can ever be of any assistance to you guys.
Chris George
Pastor- O'Quinn Baptist Church
Pollok, TX
spudster@graffiti.net
Thanks Chris! It's a blessing to know that we are being lifted up (even when we don't know it).
ReplyDeleteHey, bless the Lord! I'm thankful to God to hear of this grand news.
ReplyDelete