I preached last night that change is inevitable. I am like many who resist change. This is my first blog experience. Writing this is a paradoxical chore of great displeasure and personal satisfaction. Displeasing because I find it difficult open myself to critisism. Personally satisfying because I am stepping into the 21st Century with excitement and expectation.
I left a 23 year career as a Foreign Missionary four years ago and began a new aspect of ministry as the pastor of a local church on this day in 2004. This has been a scary journey. I have been on a giagantic learning roller coaster ride. I am to frightened to stay on it and too smart to jump off. Ministry is ministry has been my mantra. But it ain’t so, missionary work and pastoral work have very little in common. I don’tknow what I was thinking when I asked God to release me from my first love and allow me to become a pastor. Nevertheless here I am 4 years into my first pastorate at the age of 53.
If there is anyone out there who can identify with my plight please respond to these questions:
- Is “loyalty” a virtue that can be cultivated in this generation?
- Is tithing still considered a Biblical concept? Is it practiced?
- How can I motivate volunteers?
- Why do Christians of 25 and 30 years still choke on the meat of the Word?
These may not even be the right questions. If you have the right questions help me asked them.
Until I have more to say or receive some comments,
This is Harvest Pastor
Randy Bardwell
