I’m a new children’s pastor, and sometimes I just get overwhelmed by the lack of experience that I have. But I was praying the other day, and I realized how exciting this can be. I’m a planner, I like to know what’s going to happen next week, or tomorrow, or this afternoon, and if I have a plan, and it changes last second, I tend to get a little stressed out. I think that God put me in the place as a practical joke, He said ” ok mr. planner man, this is what’s going down” (yes God does talk to me like that) ” you are going to have to trust me.” Ok I don’t know about you, but I like to be in control of situations, as stated before, I like to plan, so if Jesus is indeed taking the wheel, it’s probably going to challenge me a tad. So here’s the exciting part: people expect me to make mistakes, they know i’m 20 and probably not going to be great, so when our kids church is phenomenal on a Sunday morning, I can blame…I mean thank God.
My inexperience gives me a need for God, and He has proven faithful over and over, so I know that I can trust Him. So not having experience is way more exciting than I thought it would be… I’m not saying that you should not plan, or that you should not study, or you should not go to conferences, NO! By all means equip yourself to serve God the best that you can, if that means reading books, than read read read, if that means reading blogs, than… you guessed, read read read. But in reading and preparing, never neglect the One that you are doing all of this for, stay in your Word, make time to pray.. it is ever so essential!!
If you don’t have experience, that’s ok, you will over time, but this is a good time in your life to lean on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says it best: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
I like your transparency. The path to experience (and wisdom) begins with an honest self-evaluation. I’m not everything I can be. I don’t have all the skills I will have. But if I’m going to become everything God has planned me to be then there are some things I need to do now. I need to begin the long, and sometimes tedious, process of getting equipped for more fruitful ministry. You’re headed in the right direction. Just keep your head up….
You might find some help on my blog site. Also, here’s a great music video that you’ll enjoy: http://pastoralstaff.com/2010/01/21/show-me-what-im-looking-for/
I am very thankful to the Lord about the young minister that you have become since being in my Sunday school class at CHC. Remember that when God is your source and the strength of your life, your vats will be full of power to transform peoples lives. God has a way using our personal devotion encounters with Him and His word as a catalyst to inspire both young and old to live a lifestyle of worship before Jesus our King. The Lord put these scriptures in my heart for this year. I pray that God uses you strategically reach this next generation with the gospel of the Kingdom and pass the baton of faith until Jesus comes.
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12
“For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth [come] knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; [He is] a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:6-8
Andy- I love your blog. You’re always honest, even when it comes to admitting your shortcomings and need for God. Also, you’re always dead on. Reading your blog is kind of like listening to Kathy (my mentor). Keep writing!