It’s a new phase of life for me. For the first time, the pulpit minister at the congregation where I attend is younger than I. Since I’ll continue to work with the bilingual group at our church, I won’t be hearing him on a regular basis. Still, it’s a bit strange.

Part of it, admittedly, is the fact that it’s not easy for me to think of anyone else as “the preacher.” I love to preach and feel that God has given me some gifts in that area. It was easier for me to “sit at the feet” of the previous minister because he was the preacher at this congregation when I attended back in my university days.

It has been strange for me to know that our congregation was searching for a minister yet to have no idea who was being considered nor even what qualifications were being looked for. Strange to not have any part in the process. Not surprising given the size of our congregation and the number of elders that we have. It’s hard not to feel a bit left out at times, yet I’ve got my own ministry with Herald of Truth.

Now a new minister has been chosen. It will be yet another battle with my pride. A battle that needs to be fought again and again. Our elders know this congregation and its needs and have made a prayerful choice. Now we move forward with prayer and optimism. May God bless his church and those who seek to serve her. I hope that I can always seek the good of the kingdom and not my own good.

{Photo by Simon Cautado, sxc.hu}