Bishop Palmer has appointed Rev. Shirley Hoffman Will to be the next pastor in Sumner. Rev. Will has an impressive resume. She holds a BA in Education and a MA in Special Education. She received her seminary training at Asbury Seminary and has completed the Beeson Institute. She comes to Sumner with 18 years of pastoral experience.
Julie & I got to meet Shirley and her daughter last week for the first time. We found Shirley to be a very personable individual, who has a passion for ministry.
I will admit that the thought of giving over my congregation to another hasn't been the easiest thing. Like many pastors, I've poured my heart and soul into this church and letting go makes me anxious. Then I remember it really isn't my congregation, it's Christ's. And just as Christ was working in this place before I arrived, so He will continue when Shirley arrives.
This has got me thinking, how much ego does a pastor need to have? If I didn't believe that I was the best person for the job, how well could I do my job? It comes back to how I see my calling. I believe that I have been called by God to full-time ministry. That calling has been confirmed by the Church through my ordination. Further, I believe I have been called by God to this place at this time through the appointive process.
It is this understanding of calling that allows me to let go and give the leadership of this congregation over to Shirley, for her calling is as real as mine. Thus I must conclude that she is the best person for the job for upcoming time in the congregation's history. This understanding also enables me to go with confidence into my new appointment. This confidence doesn't arise so much out of my abilities, but rather out of my sense of calling. I know that without the help of the Holy Spirit there's no possible way I could do this job.
So what are your thoughts, how much ego does a pastor need to have?
Comments