After more than seven years in the parish I had never received a call to serve another congregation. Truth is I was not seeking a call - but I had not received one to consider. Then, curiously, I received two calls in a little over a month. One in September and one in October. As of this morning I have declined both. In both cases I declined not so much because I didn't want to go "there" but because I felt that I should stay here.
In going through the process I learned much. Below are some observations:
1. Having another parish call you to serve as their pastor is a most humbling experience. It makes you think - "Really? Me?"
2. It is encouraging to speak to other people in other parishes who love their parish and their Lord.
3. It is very healthy to face the prospect of moving on and consider the reasons to stay.
4. Facing a potential change is rejuvenating.
5. It is hard to tell a congregation you decline the call.
Whew!
1 day ago
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6 comments:
Agreed on all five points--- especially on how hard it is to announce to the calling congregation that you've declined the call.
Ah, you poor unsullied pastors ... just wait until God asks you to say "no" to the one you are at ... It's one of the hardest things you will ever have to do ... Saying no to (relative) strangers is not nearly so hard.
Ken,
I think you are the first to ever refer to me as "unsullied." I like it. I hope it sticks. I hope that after I am dead I become know as Mike Keith, the Unsullied.
I can't imagine hwo hard it would be to say "no" to the congregation you presently serve.
Mike,
With all due respect, I know you. I've seen you. I've been at various get togethers with you.
You are sullied, and have been sullied.
Rudeman,
Sigh. Verily, verily, I say unto you - he who claims to be without sully shall cast the first stone.
Yo Rudemann,
I still don't blame Pr. Keith ... I know YOU and no one around you stays unsullied for long! But we blame you not them.
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