This morning is the day that I was to be introduced to the congregation I will serve for the next six months or however long. (Along with Gerry, of course, as we always come as a team.) Everyone greeted us warmly, even before they actually realized that I was the new staff member.
During the worship service, the pastor introduced me in my new capacity as interim associate pastor. I would make the observation that there is a great deal of automatic acceptance and affection and regard that comes with that "role". I also know from experience that there are also many expectations. As soon as the folks learned my title and true identity, the welcoming and warmth dial went up many degrees.
I remember both as a preacher's kid as a child and as the pastor of a church later in life, how amazing and awesome it is that there is a whole community waiting there to embrace you, love you, make you feel at home, before they even get to know you. There is no other "job" that one could have that comes with that much affirmation and warmth, and perhaps also some pre-conceived ideas about who you are. One has to either live up to all that, or shatter their notions of what a pastor is like. One ultimately has to earn their respect.
I am truly confident only in one area of my life, and that is in the abilities that God gives me to do the work to which I am called. Those whom God calls, he also gives the strength and ability to fulfill that calling.
I look forward to humbling serving, and hopefully through that, winning their trust. We are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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