I am a pastor.
The words came to me as I sat down to pray. I am a pastor. I don’t need to ask anyone’s permission. It is a calling, a natural outflowing of the gifts and graces God has given me.
This week I have listened with pastoral concern and visited the sick and the marginalized. I have given testimony, I have shared words of encouragement and tomorrow I will preach. I am a pastor.
I have my own challenges, my own faults and glaring weaknesses. But I have been called. My days in Malawi are happy as I use my gifts, put my education to practical service, live in the Bible and among the people in a way I have not done since my work in youth ministry.
But even more – in a new way – ministry now feels more authentic with less pressure to prove myself or to prove God.
I am a pastor. amen.
I knew you always were, Reverend….
It is great to read these words with the realization that you can now affirm what you are. Now, if we can find a way for “officialdom” to put the imprimatur on your calling.
I’ve known that for a long time. It’s nice to hear you respond. :)
From the first time I heard you preach and pray at Belmont, I knew you the kind of preacher I wanted to listen to. AMEN
hey pastor!!
amen and amen…..
I affirm this gift and calling in you, Kara!
An amazing one! :-)
Indeed
You are uniquely and wonderfully made!
One whom God has instilled a pastor’s heart and gifts within from the very beginning. Whether or not you wear the earthly title of Pastor will never matter in God’s eyes (though I’m really excited that you might!). So feel free to live out God’s calling and gifts and receive the great blessings of walking with God on this great journey of faith called life.
And please don’t get caught up with whether or not it is a big P or little p. As even little kids understand when you got to p you got to p. ;)