We were
at a crossroads. Our lead pastor informed me, and the rest of our staff that he
would be announcing his resignation on the coming Sunday. He had battled with diminishing health for
three years. As his Associate pastor and friend, I prayed he would return to
his strong leadership capacity. Suddenly, the horizon looked cloudy.
Early
the next morning I settled into my habitual meeting place with God – kneeling,
face down in the cushion of a chair in the corner of our living room. “What should I be doing, Lord?” Immediately,
which is unusual timing in my encounters with God, I heard the words, “You will
be the next lead pastor.” Though not audible, they were as clear as they were
extraordinary. And surprising.
Our
church was considered a “flagship” among the 1,000 plus congregations in our
fellowship. Stellar leadership and high
expectations were hallmarks, with four previous lead pastors advancing on to
lead the entire Fellowship. When I was invited to join the staff, my role was
as an assistant pastor responsible for Children and Missions. Three years later, I filled those roles as
well as being the Associate Pastor. When
the Pastoral Search Team created a list of candidates for the Lead role, my
name was not among them. Having no lead pastor experience was not in my favour.
If not
for the words God spoke to me, I would have been crushed. But I felt only
assurance. Where there is no faith in
the future there is no power in the present.
The clarity of the direction, “You will be the next lead pastor,” gave
me peace as the Search Team processed 32 candidates. During the search process,
I happily gave interim leadership to the congregation and Board. When all 32 candidates were either not
amenable to the role or not suitable to the Search Team, I wasn’t
surprised.
A few
weeks later, the congregation voted me in as their Lead pastor. That was bold and trusting of them, as I
became one of the youngest leaders in the 100-year history of the church. Reflecting on the experience inspires me with
gratitude for the opportunity, and humility for God’s extraordinary direction.
Over the
course of the next quarter century of leadership, remembering the corner chair
and the still small voice was a source strength and reassurance during
challenging days. I was the right
person, in the right place, at the right time.
Extraordinary
direction is available for the writing life. God cares personally about you, and
invites you to glorify Him through no better way than sharing stories of His
guidance.
“Commit everything you do to the Lord, trust Him and he will help
you.” (Psalm 37:5)
