So, it's been a little while since I posted. Getting commissioned, receiving an appointment, leaving Atlanta and moving to Greeneville will do that to you. There is other news that many of you know about, but employment issues prevent me from blogging about it just yet. It is very good news, and life, despite being apart from Erin and adjusting to a new place, is relatively good.
A few things that have been noteworthy in the last couple months and the first few days of my new appointment.
1. A helpful neighbor giving me a heads up about the importance of the KJV.
2. It is really helpful being connected to fellow pastors, particularly when you have to figure out something as crazy as going from Atlanta to the farm.
3. We heard Adam Hamilton at annual conference this year. I think we probably should have read more of Hamilton in seminary. Although I didn't agree with him on everything, he had very good things to say, was theologically sound, and has figured out how to involve people in a UM community of faith that seems to live out a Wesleyan way of life in some good ways. Plus, once you enter the church he is one of those people you have to be able to be conversant in.
4. We made what I think was a good decision to approve direct billing for pastor's health insurance at annual conference. It's going to be a challenge for some smaller churches, but if people aren't going to pay apportionments in full, then we have to be responsible. This feels like a tough, challenging, but ultimately responsible facing of reality.
5. Who knew that three different churches in one charge meant three different hymnals? Apparently, I should have.
6. In our conference the commissioning service is connected to the retirement service. Quite humbling watching pastors who have served 51 years pass the mantle to us. Exciting, invigorating, challenging. A good reminder of what we are committing ourselves to. With God's help.
6. Being young, single and the new pastor, I have more garden-fresh vegetables than I know what to do with.
You would think that living in a new place, about twenty five minutes from anything (and by anything I mean Wal-Mart, Ingles, the Applebee's and Zaxby's), apart from the boss would lead to more consistent blogging. It probably will, but I make no promises.
1 year ago
6 comments:
I've been listening to Adam Hamilton's sermons via podcast the last couple months. While I sometimes disagree with him as well, he is a great preacher, theologically sound, and empowering others to live out God's vision. I highly recommend listening to sermons of good preachers -- it helps refine our own preaching skills. What have you read by him? Perhaps I'll have to get on that bandwagon as well.
while i am not particularly excited that you live so far away from civilization, the prospect of more regular blogging does please me. i shall be checking back.
and blessings of smooth transitions to you, brother ogle.
You pretty much described me a year ago. Believe me, the vegetables keep coming.
Hoeke -
I haven't actually read any of his books, just heard him give a presentation at Annual Conference. I think I would like to read Leading Beyond the Walls, but don't have anything specific to recommend.
Blessings to you my friend and God bless your people too. They're in for an interesting ride.
I'm also a big Hamilton fan. I'm pretty suspicious of the mega-church, but I think he's done a good job. I know the church is having a big impact in the community and training many leaders from around the country, but I'm not sure if they do any advocacy work. I appreciate Hamilton because he's a solid moderate voice that's challenging people in the middle, as well as the right and the left.
Is it bad that I've never even heard of Adam Hamilton? Good luck with the 3 hymnal thing; it's going to be tough to put together bulletins when you have to use different page numbers for different churches!
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