The Second Rate Christian

                A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking at my home church.  After the “service”, I had the usual compliments, but one hit closest to an issue that’s often on my heart;

                “I don’t think you should be an elder.  I think we should hire you to be on staff.”

                Since responding to my calling in Christ, I have often thought that I should be in career ministry, and have frequently been encouraged the same, by many I trust.  I suppose it’s something I’ll continue to toy with.  I often wonder if I’m some kind of second class Christian, never quite good enough to make it as a real pastor.

                After church this morning, I spoke with a guy who travels around with his guitar, making his living as a musical worship leader.  I asked him how he transitioned between having a “real job”, to making his living on the road.  He encouraged me with these words;

                “Making your living like you do, allows you a kind of freedom that I don’t have.  I have to write and play music that people will want to buy.  There is a freedom you enjoy which enables you to write whatever you sense you are called to write.”

                I don’t write near as much as I used to.  I find that my efforts in ministry are demanded more elsewhere, but his words helped me to put my calling into perspective once again.

                This afternoon, my wife and I spent our afternoon with many of the people we met while at The University of Guelph.  I might not have a church, or a book club, but every time I get together with either my friends, or my family, I leave with the same kind of thought. 

                “I love them.  And I want nothing more than to spend eternity with them in the presence of Christ.”

                This might not sound evangelical.  I’m fine if the world wants little to do with Jesus.  The world keeps telling me to “keep my religion to myself”, so I assume that it has little reservation about spending eternity apart from Him.  What else am I to assume?  I cannot handle the thought however, that anyone in my life would end up in the pit, because I failed to be open about the things of God with them.

                It’s okay if I don’t have my own church.  It’s okay if Chapters doesn’t carry Alien Love.  If you consider me to be your friend, I am overjoyed at the role you have given me in your life.