8th anniversary

I have now been pastor at my church for eight years. I started August 1, 1999. This is the first church I have ever pastored, and I really can't believe I am still here. Honestly, when I came here, I was hoping I could somehow survive for seven years - so my kids wouldn't have to change schools again. I never really thought it would happen, and the funny thing is... now neither one of them lives around here. Hmm.

This little journey started in 1994 when I quit my job as a welder/machine operater/sheet metal worker, we sold our house and many of our possessions, and the four of us moved from a huge house in Buda, IL to a tiny apartment in Findlay, OH so I could attend seminary. I went full-time for three years and picked up a pastoral studies degree, while also getting a bachelors degree from the University of Findlay. Jane supported us by cleaning houses and we also lived off of the money we sold our house for. We had no insurance and in '97 I had to have my gall bladder removed. Somehow we survived.

My plan had always been to plant a church. I made up a prospectus and whatnot, but apparently God had other plans. I still don't feel up to sharing what happened exactly. I guess it was all for the best. At any rate, the first church that called me (you know, on the phone) apparently sent a letter with the date they wanted me to come and give a trial sermon. I never received the letter. In the meantime, the church I am presently at called and asked me to come preach. I declined because I wasn't really interested in a little country church with an organ. They guy kept calling so I finally agreed to just come and preach. Then he kept calling after that, so I came again. Finally I said I would apply.... and I guess the rest is history. I agreed to be their pastor and never even asked how much it paid or anything. The only thing I remember asking was whether I had to mow the yard or not. It's a big yard. I started out for $15,000 a year. My previous job paid $24,000+, with full benefits. Yep, that made all the schooling worthwhile. :)

This is actually the longest Jane and I have ever lived in one house/apt. It's also the longest I have worked at one place full-time. I have no idea how much longer it will last. It kinda depends on the day as to how I feel about it. And I'm sure the process of finding a new pastor just isn't worth the hassle to most people.

I hate to even think about some of the things that have happened over the years. I've had nasty conversations, nasty phone calls, nasty letters, nasty emails. I've had people speak up during sermons; people walk out. It used to be a regular occurance where people would come for Sunday School and a big group of them would leave before the worship service. There have been flaps over flags, fights about fish fries, gaggles about garage sales, and perturbations over peanut brittle. If you put all the people who have left my church in the last 8 years together, we wouldn't all fit into our building. Quite frankly it has taken its toll on me. I still think about many of those people quite often. What do you do?

I suppose there are some positives too. But you know me, I don't see the filled side of the glass. The playground and pavilion were a nice thing. We have made some technological advances: website, projectors, keyboard, sound system, wireless internet, etc. We're just beginning to redo the basement with the cafe tables. The decor has been updated a little. I'm not so sure about life change though... positive life change. I'm sure there has been some, but honestly, I don't feel it has been satisfactory. Maybe in comparison to all the negatives it's just hard to see. I don't know... I feel like we're losing ground though. And this is what it should be all about (IMHO).

Well, this isn't a real good assessment. If you're from my church, don't read too much into this. This is just off the top of my head. I'm merely rambling. I dunno.......... as far as what I would like... I would really like to grow closer to God. I think that's the most important thing I can do - spend more time in prayer, study, and getting to know people; exercise my faith; change the world; that sorta thing. Holiness... that's what I want. For myself and for others. Finding direction by following Jesus.

Yeah. Whatever.........