Nine years ago when I was a brand new pastor I faced a dilemma. I was excited about my new position, but terrified at the same time. I don't have what many people would consider a prototypical path to the pastorate. I became a Christ-follower when I was 21 years old after a long period of progressively worse moral decisions and spiritual wandering. The details aren't important here and now, but let's just say my BC life was colorful. At 28 years old I knew God was calling me to vocational ministry. I had a pastor affirming that call and, prayerfully, I followed God's leading.
When I was hired by Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX in November of 2001, my role was to lead the Married Small Groups ministry. The ministry had just over 120 small groups divided up between myself and two other pastors. I remember having doubts right away. My past, my lack of seminary education, my young age relative the the people I was leading...there were so many barriers to success that I wasn't sure why God had called me. I was confident of God's calling, but afraid of my failing. After all, this was a big dream, a crazy calling. I wondered if it was too good to be true...if it's too good to be for me.
When I told a friend and fellow pastor about those fears and doubts, he shared a verse with me. It was Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." That verse helped me through some tough times then, and I continue to take comfort and strength in it now. It is a charge "be strong and courageous" and a promise "I am with you" all in one. I believe God is saying through it..."you are full of promise" and "I promise to be with you".
Over the next couple of posts I will unpack this concept of "promise" and what I have learned/am learning about it from the first 9 verses of Joshua. I hope you'll find as much encouragement and strength as I do as we examine this part of Joshua's story, and my own.
A blog from the Hamilton family on our experiences launching and leading Elevation Church in Flower Mound, TX.
todd,
ReplyDeletereading about your first days at FC, i am reminded of the good ole days. the days when friendships were forged that will last a lifetime. you have been an incredible leader from day 1. the Lord has brought u so far and to say it has been a priviledge to serve along side you and under your leadership is an understatement.
as much as i miss the days past, i know the best is yet to come because it is God's best and He loves to do immeasurable more than we can imagine.
can't wait to support you in prayer and otherwise on this journey.
friends in Christ,
elizabeth fowler