MicahJohn

I spent today with youth pastor, James Reaves. I had a great time talking with him about my motivations for ministry as well as some of the hardships inherent in ministry. We talked about the need for accountability, prayer, and a willingness to spend time with those to whom you are ministering. One of the main perks of the day was two lunches: first, Taco Bell while spending time in the Greencastle Middle School lunch room, then a great meal at Mrs. Gibbles Restaurant. Following that I spent some less exciting time stuffing mailboxes.

This morning I worked with Karmen Reed and another intern. We brainstormed decorating possibilities for a camping theme. We also set up a behavior reward system to be used over the summer. I was introduced to Antrim’s child protection program. Their willingness to go to extra length to protect the children impressed me.

I spent the afternoon with Tom. I got a lesson on music selection that included the importance of flow between songs and looking at the key a song is in. We also looked at picking music to fit a theme and resources available for that. I then put these lessons into practice. Tom also gave me some voice coaching.

I spent the morning with Ky Searcy, gaining insight into what he does, particularly his work overseeing the deacon/shepherds. He also gave me a tour of their building and building project.

The Antrim staff had had more to do than expected at last week’s staff meeting and so were not as prepared for me as they had hoped. Also, two of the staff were out in the morning. The worship leader, Tom Seaman was out due to a long previous week presenting a drama. James, the youth leader, is at his brother’s graduation today and tomorrow, all this simply showing the need for flexibility in ministry.

In the afternoon I attended some of a staff meeting. It was interesting to see the staff interactions. I was able to be in on a discussion about new service schedules for when the new building opens. I was impressed with the staff’s readiness to lay aside personal opinions (at least before the public) once Dwayne Potteiger had made a final decision. Two things stuck out to me: 1) the truth of Abraham Lincoln’s words, “You can please all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time. But you can never please all the people all the time;” 2) the importance of backing the leader in the final decision.

Following the staff meeting I spent some time with Tom Seaman. He gave me a book, Experiencing Worship, to read four chapters out of. I played a little guitar for him and we worked on figuring out chords to a song.
Throughout the day I realized that I possess computer skills I take for granted.

First, I don’t think anyone should live paralyzed by the question “what’s God will for me?” It certainly isn’t his will to freak out and get nowhere. I do think it’s wise to pursue his guidance in prayer and the Bible and from the sources he’s provided in your life be they parents, pastors, wise friends, etc. I think it is entirely possible, and in fact likely, that God reveal specifics to some and only vague inklings to others. And I would not be surprised to find that God called someone specifically to plumbing. I doubt specific callings exist only for those “in ministry.” Our church bulletin says “Ministers: All, Pastors: John . . .” I agree with the implication that we are all Agents of the King with our occupation only as cover. I hope this reads somewhat coherently coming out of a finals fried brain.
Related to God’s revealing of his will: I think God seldom overloads the human mind. He wants us to choose to serve him, so if he writes with lighting in the sky exactly what he wants us to do it’s hard for us to choose something different. It reminds me of a line spoken by some despot in some movie “make them happy even if you have to shoot them.” God refuses to make us “happy” by shooting us. Also related to this thought is the time in The Last Battle when Aslan gives a rich feast to these dwarves who have entered paradise but are convinced they’re in a small smelly barn. The dwarves eat the food, but do not taste the feast. They believe they are biting into trough food: old turnips, carrots, and dirty water. There may be times when we miss a sign from God because we force it to fit into our preconceived perception of the world.