When Rev. Forrest Wells called me at the end of last summer about a possible position at Cargill UMC I politely (I hope) said, “No thanks, I am a full-time student now and I want to dedicate myself to seminary.” I told Forrest that if they needed some help with any project, finding a youth pastor, or with a retreat I would be glad to consult, however. Forrest called me back about two weeks later asking me if I would be willing to lead a retreat and I agreed. Like any good employer with an opening in his organization, Forrest kept the invitation of a job open…and I continued to turn him down.
It is truly marvelous how God works in our lives. I had a plan, but after I spent a weekend with some truly amazing youth of Cargill UMC I found myself calling Forrest to see about a job. The church in Janesville has welcomed me and already I find myself developing relationships with the people there, especially the youth.
It seems that in this time and in this place I am called to be in ministry. I don’t yet know what that will look like or how I will accomplish it, but I leave that to God’s capable hands. How is it that God is calling you into ministry? What is God asking of you in this time and in your place?