well friends, it has been quite a while since we spoke last. I would love to tell you all kinds of things that have happened in the past few weeks, but truthfully, there hasnt been too much. I have spent some time at the beach, and I have also spent a lot of time catching up with my cousin Donna who recently moved to the area. Good times....
So let's get started. I recently had a conversation with Donna, and within that conversation we spoke about my experiences in ministry. You should understand that I have wrestled for so long now with exactly what I need/want to do. I have gone all over the spectrum, from bartender to new church start pastor, etc... Really, all over the map. Finally, Donna asked me, "Lance, if you could do anything in the world that you wanted to do right now, what would it be?" My answer was very simple. Student Ministry. The truth is, I love students and I love leading them toward the cross. But notice, that is what I WANT to do. I actually do believe that God will bring me back to student ministry; within the church even. But, I also realize that it is not the plan right this moment.
A couple of weeks ago, I was able to go to Spanish Fort United Methodist Church where my Youth Pastor Paul is on staff. We had a great opportunity to catch up and talk about some different things (including AUBURN FOOTBALL!) Through this time of reflection and thought, Paul offered me something that I am so grateful for....a mentorship. I began thinking about how, I have not in the past 9 years had someone that really effectively mentored me into ministry. And so, that is what I will be doing over the next year. I have decided not to work in the church again for at least 1 year. I have got to take time to grow before I can lead anyone. My option is to be in this wilderness and barren land and come out with nothing, or I can be here and LEARN! I pray it be a year of learning. I believe I will come out on the other side with a deeper understanding for God's will for my life and a better idea of how to fulfill that will.
I will never forget a conversation I had with a Pastor friend of mine, June Jernigan (i know, this is a lot of conversations), as I was passing through Montgomery to come back to Mobile. June told me that I was very fortunate to be in this place of wilderness, and that I am doing something many dont. Stopping long enough to be lost. I am sure that is paraphrasing and not nearly as profound as she stated it, but I guess what I am saying is this...why dont we ALL take some time to be lost. If you are no longer do things on purpose, maybe it's time to reevaluate. If you are no longer doing things for the sake of leading people to Christ, maybe it's time to reevaluate. If you are just going through the motions and are not seeing the fruit of Christ's life, death and resurrection in your life and the live's of those around you, maybe it's time to reevaluate. These were all symptoms I have had, and I am praying that God will meet you and I both in this wilderness! Finally, thank you to all of the people who have been pouring into my life like Tom Lane who is always just an encouragement, Deb Kenny who just blesses me with love, Paul Olsen who is willing to help lead me, Dave who is just willing to be a great friend, Donna Jo who is a listening ear and loving cousin. I pray that you all have people surrounding your life that have poured the love of Christ into your life as these have mine.
