Sometimes I Need Some Affirmation!

I wrote this a while back, I was reminded of it today so I thought I would share it the blog today.

Every day is Good But Some Are Better Than Others.
By Rev Stephen Webb, Chair of MemConfFAM&LP

I gotta say that as a Pastor who is trying to direct the flock into an outward direction, times get pretty rough. There are some exciting new ideas out there giving direction to practical and most times inexpensive ways for the church to reach out into the community and become the church. I am speaking of course of “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by Robert Schnase and “Rethinking Church” I believe it called sponsored by Igniting Ministries. I am working hard at presenting these ideas to my two point charge and I am not sure what the outcome will be in the end. I know if some of the folks open their hearts and their lives to the Work of the Holy Spirit, then great things are liable to happen for God will be in the center of it.

I said all that to say this. I feel sometimes that I am working alone. I know that God is with me and I depend upon God’s presence to make what I do worthwhile for the kingdom while hoping and praying that someone catches the Spirit and comes closer in relationship to God and neighbor. When I am most depressed and ready to throw it all in the trash and start something else—well—God always shows up and I am encouraged. One of the things that I really want to know is that someone is listening to the Gospel.

One Sunday morning not too long ago I got my encouragement. I was getting ready for Church and the phone rings. It is a grandmother who is helping her son raise her granddaughter. She said, “Jayce has decided that today is the day she wants to make a profession of faith and be baptized, will you talk to her?” And of course, I said yes. After a conversation with the little girl, we decided to get it done that day. I have to say it was wonderful. Even though her dad was asking her to wait, she said to her dad that this couldn’t wait it had to be done now. We got it done right at 11 o’clock and that is when I leave for the other church, but before I could get out the door, here comes a great grandmother with her 10 year old great granddaughter to talk to the preacher. Needless to say, the little girl made her profession of faith right then that there and we baptized her the next Sunday. I have to say the “God Is Good!”

Well, the Memphis Annual Conference this year was good too. The vote for amendment 19 was not a 2/3rds vote but it was close. I was very encouraged, but I am glad the decision did not ride alone with my Conference. I hope and pray that it passes muster and I feel in my heart that it will. Just think if it does pass, AMs & LPs, PEs & PDs will be able to vote for the delegates that go to General Conference in 2012 to hear the report on the study of Ordination or the Study on Ministry (whatever this one is called). Who knows we might be about to become a voting bloc that sends our own choice. Well, just some words of encouragement for some of you who may need a few.

God is Good! Stephen Webb.