In observance of the 20th anniversary of my ordination I am dedicating a series of posts to reflect on ordained ministry and the changes I have seen in this call. This is the second post in that series.
As in parenting, one can never be ready for every possible
event that will arise in ordained ministry. According to a Fuller
Institute / Barna Research / Pastoral Care Inc. report, 90% of pastors feel
that they are inadequately prepared for the demands of ministry. That sense of
being ill prepared may simply be a part of a job that is constantly changing
and evolving, just as parenting roles change as children grow up. I still find
it ironic that from among all the people that could, it is the Seminary that
actually sent card commemorating my ordination.
For most of my twenty years I have felt inadequately prepared
for the task of ordained ministry.
