Ordained

Tonight, I attended the Ordination Ceremony for the North Texas Annual Conference.  It was one of the most powerful worship services I have ever experienced.  The power of a room filled with 1500 people  - all joyfully singing praises to our God and celebrating the approximately 15 individuals who have committed their lives to ministry in one form or another – is immeasurable.  One could see, hear, and feel God in the sanctuary for over two hours.

I loved the pastor who gave the sermon tonight.  He was a “big, burly black man,” as described by Bishop Bledsoe in his introduction.  And boy, was he ever.  From someone who usually attends a primarily white church, where we have trouble even singing some songs because they feel too much like a spiritual, I love hearing a sermon preached by a man who can get the entire <mostly stiff> congregation to shout “AMEN!”  His delivery was unlike any I’ve ever seen.  He used words, his tone of voice, his feet, twirling in circles, and lots of hand gestures to get his point across.  Most notably, he used the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the Word.  I am thankful that he answered his calling years ago so that he could be put into such a place as our service tonight.

The Bishop was intently focused on how inadequate we are from the day we accept our calling.  He reminded us that this is not “our ministry,” but God’s ministry!”  It doesn’t matter where you are, how important you may feel you are in the church, how good your sermons are, or anything else.  What matters is that you wait upon the Lord.  What matters is that you get out of the way so that the Holy Spirit can work through you.  What matters to you is that you walk alongside those who are hurting and who need the love of Jesus demonstrated to them on a daily basis.  What matters is that you give people the hope of the Risen Christ.  It’s God’s ministry that we are privileged to share in through service to others.  May we each remember daily that our calling – whether full-time ministry or otherwise – includes waiting, discerning, praying, seeking, and most of all, loving.  What a beautiful affirmation for all who were ordained or commissioned tonight, and what a beautiful reminder for each of us.

Can I get an “AMEN?”