Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Decision 2011...Or The Next Step For Me

"What a long strange trip it's been."  I seem to quote Bill Walton quoting the Grateful Dead at regular instances in my life.  Once again, that seems to be the case.  To be honest, this entry has been about 4 months in the making.

When I graduated from seminary back in May, I had already been in the process of looking for a ministry position.  I loved the position that I had in Kansas City but it was an unpaid position and I needed to find a paid position.  In some ways,  it is like a free agent in a professional league.  You look around at what's out there (send out resumes), give "tryouts" to show off talent (participate in interviews) and wait to hear back on an offer.

It has been a long process.  There have been hundreds of resumes sent out.  There have been several interviews that I've done.  And there has been a lot of waiting and a lot of rejections.  I personally have gotten to know the phrases "We are going in a different direction." and "We wish you the best in your ministry." very well, even to the point of never wanting to hear or say those phrases ever again.

It has definitely been a lot of learning (or better yet relearning) patience.  There were several times throughout this process where I really thought I was about to hear a yes, that I got a certain position only to get a no.  It has been a lot of trusting God that He knew what was best for me.

Finally, today I received word.  After over four months of praying and seeking and waiting, the decision has been made.  I will be bringing my talents to.....Spartanburg, South Carolina.  Yes I will be taking a position as an Associate Campus Minister for the Spartanburg BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries).  There are 5 universities in the Spartanburg Area and I'll be helping out on a couple of those campuses.  I'm excited about the opportunity.

There is still a lot to work out.  The position does not start until January.  That's good because there are several things that need to be taken care of before then.  One of those is the fact that at this point it is only a part time position (or better described as a part-part time, 10 hours a week).  I will need to find something else to help supplement my income.  The BCM Director has assured me that she along with the DOM (Director of Missions) of the Baptist Association in the area will work to help me in maybe getting a part time church staff position.  It might be an option to raise support but that's still to be determined.

I'm excited and thought I don't know how it's all going to work out, at least now I know what the next step is.  Looking forward to 2012 and starting the next "season" of my life.