Twenty-five years and six ministries ago I told a
young man in my youth group that God had His hand on his life and that I just
knew that he was called to ministry. He said, ‘No, he didn’t think so’! But I
saw his heart for people and his heart for God shining through his 16 year old personality. He was always pointing kids to God and he was
just plain bold about it. I think God wired his DNA that way. It was a ‘calling’
that was so obvious that even a young inexperienced youth pastor could see it. This weekend I am participating in his
ordination council and giving a charge at his ordination service on Sunday. I
only have one thing to say - it’s about time! Even though he still builds snowmen, Eric isn’t
a kid anymore. He has a braided, gray goatee. Really! Eric graduated from Bible
College years ago and then served as a youth pastor. A faithful husband and
father of two, soon to be grandfather, foster parent and engaged leader in his
church - the last 2 and a half decades have repeatedly and clearly shown God’s
hand on his life. What a cool thing that
his church wants to make it official & I get to participate.
It is a big moment for me and Kris - to bless and be
blessed by Eric and Terri. We are looking forward to it. Eric wouldn’t have
made it this far without Terri ministering at his side! (I believe we had a part in that too!) It’s also a big moment for
the body of Christ. Ozark Mountain Community Church and Aspen Ridge Church have
come together across two states to acknowledge how God has connected His body
for His work.
It’s also a big moment (that makes a trinity of big
moments!) for Ozark Mountain Community Church to recognize God at work in one
of her own. God works through His organized church! He calls us to serve together and recognize
his gifting and leadership. Just like a good marriage is publicly recognized &
celebrated, so a good church publicly honors her leaders! What a privilege to be invited to participate
in God’s work in the life of a church and the life of an individual God has
graced me to touch.
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