I love Koine Greek, the language in which the New Testament was written. I loved it so much that it became a minor in my undergraduate studies. The person who inspired this love was Dr. Gordon Dutile. He was trained as a electrical engineer who worked for McDonell Douglas, but his own love for academics and the Word – especially in Greek – took him to seminary where he would earn his PhD. in Greek and New Testament. So it was a shock to me when I learned he had stopped teaching and had moved to academic administration. What a waste of talent! I thought. WHO could do a better job?
As I think about it, Dr. Dutile was about my age when he did this change. And now I know why.
The calling of God is always an interesting series of events that is rarely static. What brought you in the fulfillment of your ministry calling (whether you’ve got a title or not) is rarely what keeps you there – at least not in the same way.
There are always surprises – even plot twists.
So, Dr. Dutile: I get it. I know why you changed and why I must change.
You may have heard the word: Sean is changing jobs.
As of Oct 7th, I’ll be Grace’s next PASTOR of MATURITY. (or “201 Pastor” as some might recognize).
⚠️ Don’t get excited: I’m not going anywhere. (So, stop your celebrating!)
Changes will be subtle, at first, but eventually, my focus will begin to change. Like turning two knobs on a controller at the same time, I’ll be turning down energy in Connection, while turning up energy in Maturity.
As Pastor Nate has announced, my pastoral responsibilities will now focus on the Maturity Purpose at Grace, which will includes oversight of ministries that primarily support our discipleship and maturation process. Now, on the one hand, every pastor at Grace deals with discipleship in their nuanced ways. I did much the same with Connection ministry by helping shepherd people, in Grace terms, “move out of the community” (general population and regular attenders) and into the “crowd” (members). Connection helps them to engage in Fellowship with God’s people, reorienting their time to be with and support the ministries of Grace to help people find and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
Maturity involves shepherding members toward the establishment of fine-tuning of our thoughts and behaviors so that we turn more and more of lives to our Master, Jesus, as well as help each other to do the same. Spiritual Formation is perhaps another term you’ve heard that best describes that intentional collaboration with the Holy Spirit in being transformed by the renewing of our minds. We all know the difference between a baby and an adult. For a baby to become an adult simply requires time and attention. However, it is not automatic. There are better ways to establish maturity, and I want to be a part of that process.
HOWEVER … there are some practical matters. For a while I’ll need to do double-duty until Pastor Nate unveils his plan for more definitive staffing of the Connection Ministry. Plus, the First Impression/Connection Ministry folks are so awesome!
I will continue to attended to First Impression/Connection needs, communicating with people interested in Grace, smoothing out the process to get to Class 101, assisting Nate with Class 101, caring for new members and shepherding as a “generalist pastor” through encouragement, and of course pastoral counseling will still remain.
Actually, did you know that I’m joining pastor Barry Anderson in pursuit of a Masters in Counseling through Eastern New Mexico University-Portales? That’s right – I’m a Greyhound! I’m on a slower track, but my ultimate desire is to become a fully licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I want to serve our church and city in a way that is clinically and expertly informed as well as Biblically-based and Spirit-led. The evolution of this is an unfolding process.
What’s next? Don’t expect a lot of fast moving. We’ve all had a lot to get used to!
Long ago, the Lord used this passage to guide my movements: “This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it–the LORD is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (Jer 33:2-3)
This is the way He is showing me. We’re all in process of his maturating. The important thing for us to do is to keep calling on him. He will surely answer and tell us what we need to know.
Please pray for me, Pastor Nate and the Staff, as we discern the will of God over this matter. I love you, and I’m so honored to serve you as our next Pastor of Maturity!
Sean