Since January of 2014, I have served with my dad in the church that he planted in Columbus, GA. It was and is a dream come true. Ever since I felt the calling of God to pastoral ministry I had hoped of working with him, serving with him, and sharing in the journey of ministry. However, during the time that he was a military chaplain that was simply impossible.
When he retired, he wanted to spend time writing a couple of books, counseling pastors, and speaking about discipleship and spiritual health. That was his plan. But, as is usually the case, God had other plans. My father was thinking about what his retirement life would look like and he felt the distinct impression that God wanted him to plant a church. All the things that my father wanted to do, God wanted him to do it within the context of the local church.
So, at the age of 51, my father plants the Ambassadors of Christ Ministries. It was a surprise. But, my dream of working with my dad in ministry received new life. There was a problem. I really was not in a position to make a move. And the church wasn’t either. So, I waited. We waited.
Then, the opportunity came. I wasn’t really looking to move, but God seemed to be moving us in that direction. Conversations were had and then the decision was made. I was going to be working with my dad. It was an exciting decision, but it was also one of the most terrifying decisions of my life. I did not know what it would be like. I did not know how we would work together. There were a lot of unknowns.
Two and a half years into this move, I know two things. First, I am glad that I am here. I have learned so much in the time I have been here. Even though I learned a lot growing up in his house, but being an adult and a co-worker has a way of sharpening your focus for details. I have been challenged and stretched because not many people know me as well as my father.
The second thing I have learned is that God’s timing and plans are better than I could ever imagine. I can try to plan and time the moments of my life. What I’m learning is that this is a fruitless exercise. I can plan all I want, but God has his own plans. What I should do is try and find my way in God’s plan and not try to fit God into mine. So, that is what I want to do more intentionally.
I am so thankful to God for this opportunity to serve with my father. I am truly blessed. But, now I am starting to understand how true a statement that is.
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