My ordination…a sacred night

1. the action of ordaining or conferring holy orders on someone.

I knew it had been awhile since my blog had been active and I felt this was the right event for a relaunch. What I literally did not realize until now is that the day I am writing this is exactly seven years to the day of my last blog post. Interestingly, scripture shows there’s significance with the number seven; so, God does work in the small details.

Over the past several days I have had the chance to think through the remarkable and sacred event that transpired this past Sunday evening…my ministry ordination. It sincerely was a most beautiful and spirit-led night. It had been a long time since I had shed as many tears in a 24-hour period as I did between that Saturday and Sunday. My spirit and my heart were truly moved with anticipation.

As the ordination service transpired, my heart was continually reminded of my ministry heritage. My father, his father, and several of my uncles and cousins were/are pastors. To be honest, I probably would have given anything for my father to be present; but, I choose to believe he was somehow able to peek down through the pearly gates and catch a glimpse of this most special night. I know he’s proud!

With my lovely wife and youngest daughter at my side, the worship music led by my good friend, Pastor Chip Leake, the ministry charge by my pastor, Dr. Tom McCoy, me getting to direct our worship choir in the first song I ever arranged for the Thompson Station Church choir, to the laying on of hands (group prayer) and final prayer by my awesome friend and classmate, Fred Heumann, all I can say is it truly was a night to remember! And, to my many friends who attended — thank you! You made the night extra special!

During my ordaining council meeting earlier that Sunday afternoon and also during the ordination service itself, I was reminded that ordination is more of an affirmation of a calling, rather than the initiation of one. This reminder sincerely struck home with me. Though I had always viewed my almost two decades in the Christian music industry as a ministry, through my ordination, God was reminding me that my calling was again affirmed and that He had much, much more for me to do. This can be a little scary, but it can also be a little exciting! He’s not letting me sit on my laurels! Nope, nope!

In 1993, I started my first full-time local church music ministry position. In 1999, I stepped into the Christian music industry at Integrity Music and then on to Brentwood-Benson Music. Then, in 2018, I stepped out again and entered into the full-time academic space at William Carey University. What I have learned, and it’s not always easy, is to follow God’s leading. He may take you where you don’t expect and where you might not want to go, but the fruit will be worth it!

When I first launched this blog my hopes were to create a space where you, the reader, could find some encouragement in a world that can seemingly appear like it gives little encouragement. Today, you may wonder where life is taking you. If my story is of any help, know that God has you in the palm of His hand. Lean in on Him. As I’ve had it told to me several times the past many months, “God’s got this!” Do you have any big shiftings going on in your life? If so, hang on for the ride! It may be bumpy, but it’ll be a fun and rewarding one if you’ll just hang on tight and not jump off!

So, now I’m an ordained minister. What does this ultimately mean? Time will only truly tell. Yet, if history holds any telltale signs, God will make it quite clear…in due time.

Dear friends, be encouraged. God knows your name. God knows your heart. God knows your pain. God knows your need. Trust Him…He’s got this!