Last Friday, I was blessed to participate in one of the Ordination services and to watch others. What a great and glorious day last Friday was as individuals were ordained as Elders and Deacons! While some ordinands were recommended for this momentous occasion this year, others had waited over 23 months for this special service of worship. It was a culmination of responding to God’s inner call and the discernment of the church affirming the outer call. Within the context of Annual Conference, we also welcomed candidates who were to be consecrated as Provisional Elders and Deacons, and those who were appointed as Local Licensed Pastors. Let’s not forget those who came to us as Deaconesses either. All of this is a reminder of how God continues to call and equip leaders for the ongoing mission of the local church to make disciples for the transformation of the world.
It has been my privilege to be involved in the ordination process for over 20 years. First, at the level of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM), then as a member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, and now back to the DCOM level. Every year, I am amazed at God’s work in calling individuals to lead Christ’s church. The great diversity in candidates provide a wide variety of experiences, voices, and perspectives, which ultimately enriches the church. I marvel and rejoice at the way God is renewing the church.
While ordination and official ministry statuses in the church are important, the work of God within the church is not limited to those in formal leadership positions. As I have made covenant visits between churches and pastors receiving new appointments, I have been blessed by the testimonies of lay persons as they shared how they have come to faith and now serve as dedicated disciples. Many make significant sacrifices to maintain and enhance the ministries and mission of their local church. Some hone their skills through training in the Lay Speaker or Certified Lay Minister programs. Others gain wisdom and insight through experience. Each brings different gifts to the church, but all are equally important to the ongoing mission of God’s outreaching love found in each congregation.
The Apostle Paul was right when he spoke about the diversity of gifts God provides for the church. The image of the body is apropos. We are stronger through the contribution of all. Certainly my life and spirituality has been enriched through my work and worship in the Corridor District. In the past two years, through the voices and actions of both laity and clergy, my understanding and experience of God’s work in the world has been enhanced. Through worship services – online and in-person – I have heard insights into biblical witness that I never would have considered, yet was blessed by a new perspective.
May God continue to bless each of you in your work and please know you are a blessing to many!
Mike
If you would like to view past editions of Moments with Mike, follow this link: https://corridordistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/