I was ordained into Christian ministry, receiving the office and title of "Elder," on May 5, 2000. Today was my tenth anniversary. The truth is that I had previously had opportunity to pursue ordination, but I avoided it until I was confident that it was God's timing and intention rather than my own. And I was determined to be ordained by men with whom I shared theological camaraderie. As GCA was growing from a Bible study to a public church, circumstances providentially fell in line and Elder David Morris flew into Lexington, picked up Elder Ward, and the two of them drove down to Nashville, where my ordination was held at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. It was a mark in time for me.
Each year I take the time to review Elder Ward's "charge" to me during that service. It was a moment of tremendous power and kindness. It was fierce and gentle. It was pointed, severe, and tremendously encouraging. I stood like an acolyte at the feet of my mentor and I ingested each word, carefully and fully. And I wept like a beggar invited to the banquet.
The last ten years have been ... hmmm ... gratifying, overwhelming, occasionally tumultuous, heart-breaking, and grandly reassuring. I wasn't always faithful, but God was. I failed frequently and He patched me up, poured oil on my wounds and set me on my way again. I have tried to live up to the high calling He has place on my life, but I am reminded daily of my weakness and His sufficiency.
It's been worth it all.
But, here's the highlight: I've been blessed beyond measure to be called the pastor of Grace Christian Assembly. The people of GCA have put up with me, tolerated my rants, been patient with my failings, succored me when my life came crashing down, supported me as I crawled back up, never shamed me when I was at my worst, encouraged me when I was at my best, guarded me, protected me, loved me, and continue to push me forward in the ministry of declaring God's free and sovereign grace. I simply could not ask for more. GCA is what it is today because of those people.
If they'll have me, I'd be extremely thankful to labor with them for another ten.
Grace, grace, grace, grace, grace, grace ....
