Why I'm Returning to the Pastorate

Yesterday I accepted the invitation from Fall Creek Wesleyan Church to become their senior pastor.

I’ve enjoyed the past eight years at Wesleyan Publishing House very much. I have a great job, and have seen lots of progress and plenty of opportunity. So why would I leave a secure and rewarding career (in this economy!) to return to what some have called the most demanding profession in the world?

I’ve got my reasons.

God Called

Is there a thing in our life you know you have to do? Preaching is that one thing for me. I was ordained for ministry in 1987 and served as a pastor for 13 years prior to my editorial career, which has been in church publishing. Most of my life has concerned the proclamation of the gospel. You can say it’s in my blood or that I’ve got the bug. I say God called me to preach.

They Asked

I don’t do everything people ask; but as a pastor, the affirmation of a local church is not merely a nice thing—it is an essential confirmation of the call I feel from God. If nobody wants me to be their preacher, then my “call” may be nothing more than fantasy, ego, a bad burrito, or whatever. The fact that this congregation affirms my gift is one reason to believe I have it and should use it.

Church Is Where the Action Is

There is no place on earth that has the energy and passion of a local congregation. This is where Christians meet, worship, play, fight, you name it. Most important, this is where people change. We meet with each other, and God meets with us.

Publishing is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding pursuit. So are football, theater, and macramé, but they’re not the church. I respect the work of my friends and colleagues in business, education, medicine, and government, but God has called me to the church.

This One Fits

It is easy to over-spiritualize vocational decisions. We say things like, "I’ll go where you want me to go, Lord, even if it's not what I want." That’s how people wind up in urban ministry who should be farming, or teaching Sunday school when they can’t stand kids.

God’s call always generates a hunger in us, a sense of optimism, and a good fit for our temperament, skill, and stage of life. Why return to the church now? Because this congregation fits, and the time is right. If there were an eHarmony.com for pastors and churches, we’d be a perfect match.

It’s the Best Use of My Time

I'll turn 50 this year, and I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about what comes next. I’m not looking for a nice place to get started (I’ve had that) or an opportunity to gain experience (I’ve done that) or a secure spot to settle (I’m leaving one).

I’m looking for the place where I can use my skills to best advantage, have the greatest effect on people, and create the maximum impact upon the world. Fall Creek is that place.

What about you? What’s the last major move you made in life? And why did you do it

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