In a conversation with an early candidate for the position of pastor at SMCC I was maybe 10-15 minutes into the phone call when he said, "Why do I picture you sitting there cleaning your shotgun while we talk?" Without skipping a bit (since I had used this line with my then future son-in-law) I replied, "If you hurt them, you die."
Last Saturday night Sharon and I had the privilege and joy of sharing a meal with the "pastor-elect" of SMCC. I shared that story with Robert as we were parting. On the way home I told Sharon I can put the shotgun away. This morning I read Robert's blog in which he assured me that SMCC will be safe with he and his family. Let me state publicly (to the 9 of you who read this blog) that we know that God has graciously and providentially brought Robert and his family to SMCC for this new season.
Two years ago as we left Margarita, by faith, I gave each person who attends SMCC a card that read, "He's not Paul and that's a good thing." The Body was told to pull out that card when necessary during the interim pastor's season with them and during the new pastor's first year. The more I know Robert, the more I'm convinced I got it right two years ago before I knew that "he" would be Robert. Chances are good they won't even need the card during the coming year. He's not Paul. And that's a good thing.
8 comments:
Count 10 people who now read your blog Paul!
(I've never replied to a blog until yesterday when I responded to Robert Campbell's.) Tonight I started clicking on Robert's blog and it jumped to your blog. You'll have to teach me how to post a photo when I reply to blogs.
I'm glad your shotgun is put away. I think it is SO cool that you and Robert have had opportunities to talk candidly about SMCC....during the candidating process and as Robert moves up here to minister. I hope the dialog continues and that you always feel welcome and comfortable to be a part of campouts, services, and other events at SMCC.
Now let's see if this novice can figure out how to post this comment.....
You did fine posting. Wow, 10 people now. Congratulations on being #10.
Hello Paul - number 8 here - Just so you know, I'd be noting that the numbers are growing at a rapid pace. Soon, you'll have to provide snacks for us who read :) If we have a "I read Paul's Blog" executive I'd like to be the social planner. Just putting that out there. :)
Snacks, what a great idea! So far no one else has volunteered for the position, so in sacred church tradition that means you've been called to serve in this capacity. :)
Have I been assigned a number? You know I read your blog entries, but I've never left a comment. Here goes! I wouldn't mind being number 11. It's a prime number! ;o)
You math types are all alike. :)
It's been a long process. The PST did a heck of a job, and they are all glad it's over with. :>)
I'm pretty excited about the future it promises to be anything but dull. A funny thing - in the podcasts I listen to and at the Parkhill church where I'm helping with the worship, and just about everywhere I turn to lately, I keep hearing sermons and teaching about how important it is to maintain unity within the body. I think I get it.
Unity within the local body of believers is important.
Hmmm- yep that pretty much straight forward, nothing esoteric there. I'm guessing that that is where the devil will try to get into the mix at SMCC.
So that's where we should be paying attention and where our prayers should be focused.
On another note, although it's refreshing to have your pastor leave not because he has to, (some sort of scandal) but I've found it almost as hard to explain to people. Folks just don't expect "holy men" to move on to something else! It's been eye opening to me to find people that you'd expect to be somewhat hostile, still have such a lofty idea of the clergy.
What complex creatures we are.
Oh yeah, I forgot my password so I'm anonymous now.
If I wear camoflage I'll be completely invisible too.
The PST done good. And I share your concern about unity. How easily we can get focused on what we did or didn't get in the way of the "Pastor we wanted".
You think its hard to explain my move to your friends, think of how it plays with people I meet in So Cal who not only find out what I did but where I was living while doing it and it makes no sense to them at all. :)
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