Peter, Get out of the boat
If you've followed any of my posts on Facebook, or read some of my previous blog posts, you'd know of the tumultuous state of the United Methodist Church following the 2019 General Conference. The Traditionalist Plan passed and it appears more and more that the UMC is going to split, or crumble. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I had to understand my place in the UMC and how I was going to respond - understanding my call to be a pastor and believing that God's love is for ALL people. How could I be a part of a church who would turn some of my friends away? Why would I choose to be a part of a church where I may not be allowed to become a pastor, as my call was directing me?
I considered putting my call "on hold" until the UMC "figured themselves out". It seems very apparent that in the next year, the UMC will split into two or three "new" denominations. So why not wait? I scheduled a meeting with the District Superintendent to tell him of my intentions. On the way to the meeting, I turned off my radio and I was listening to God. I was expecting some sort of confirmation on how the conversation was going to go. What I heard was not what I had expected.
"Peter, get out of the boat!"
Get out of the boat?! But the sea is dangerous and the waves are crashing! The UMC isn't a safe place for me to be right now.
"Get out of the boat."
Waiting a year would be better for me anyway. It would be a better transition time for my family at that point anyway. The UMC can figure themselves out while I figure myself out.
"Peter. Get. Out. Of. The. Boat."
After some lengthy discussion, I got it. In my meeting with the DS, I told him that my intention was to walk away. But God was telling me not to give up. To trust where God is leading me. In order to be a leader, I shouldn't abandon my path. I can use my skills to affect my environment now. I can help shape the UMC as a member and an advocate for my LGBTQIA+ family. This broken denomination is exactly where I am supposed to be.
Which leads me to today. At church today we will be having a charge conference after worship to approve me as a candidate for ministry. This is a big step in my checklist of being ready to be appointed as a licensed local pastor. It seems fitting that the charge conference is happening today - on Mother's Day. I am experiencing what could be likened to a birthing process of my own. I am being shaped into what God is using me to be. I am excited and scared and enthusiastic and terrified all at the same time.
Positivity for the Day
Setting intentions for your life is a big part of the process. Knowing where you would like to go and what you need to do to get there is a crucial step in accomplishing your goals.
The reason that I know that I'm on the right path is that no matter what I do to delay or prevent it from happening, it comes back to me. I can't go any other way than where God is leading me.
If you're struggling with where to go or what to do next, pray. Listen to what God is doing in your life. By setting some intention to your path, it becomes clearer.
Be blessed in knowing that sometimes the mess is just where you need to be. Getting deeper in the muck is sometimes the only way to get through it.
Peace,
Positively Pastoral Jessica
I considered putting my call "on hold" until the UMC "figured themselves out". It seems very apparent that in the next year, the UMC will split into two or three "new" denominations. So why not wait? I scheduled a meeting with the District Superintendent to tell him of my intentions. On the way to the meeting, I turned off my radio and I was listening to God. I was expecting some sort of confirmation on how the conversation was going to go. What I heard was not what I had expected.
"Peter, get out of the boat!"
Get out of the boat?! But the sea is dangerous and the waves are crashing! The UMC isn't a safe place for me to be right now.
"Get out of the boat."
Waiting a year would be better for me anyway. It would be a better transition time for my family at that point anyway. The UMC can figure themselves out while I figure myself out.
"Peter. Get. Out. Of. The. Boat."
After some lengthy discussion, I got it. In my meeting with the DS, I told him that my intention was to walk away. But God was telling me not to give up. To trust where God is leading me. In order to be a leader, I shouldn't abandon my path. I can use my skills to affect my environment now. I can help shape the UMC as a member and an advocate for my LGBTQIA+ family. This broken denomination is exactly where I am supposed to be.
Which leads me to today. At church today we will be having a charge conference after worship to approve me as a candidate for ministry. This is a big step in my checklist of being ready to be appointed as a licensed local pastor. It seems fitting that the charge conference is happening today - on Mother's Day. I am experiencing what could be likened to a birthing process of my own. I am being shaped into what God is using me to be. I am excited and scared and enthusiastic and terrified all at the same time.
Positivity for the Day
Setting intentions for your life is a big part of the process. Knowing where you would like to go and what you need to do to get there is a crucial step in accomplishing your goals.
The reason that I know that I'm on the right path is that no matter what I do to delay or prevent it from happening, it comes back to me. I can't go any other way than where God is leading me.
If you're struggling with where to go or what to do next, pray. Listen to what God is doing in your life. By setting some intention to your path, it becomes clearer.
Be blessed in knowing that sometimes the mess is just where you need to be. Getting deeper in the muck is sometimes the only way to get through it.
Peace,
Positively Pastoral Jessica
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