Have you ever taken the time to reflect on the series of choices and events that have placed you where you are at today? From time-to-time I enjoy doing so and even find much encouragement in reading previous journal entries that I made so that I can more easily see the hand of God at work in leading my family and me.
The following two journal entries are from October of 2005. I had just begun Seminary the previous May at Regent University in Virginian Beach, VA. Prior to beginning Seminary Studies I was involved with a Word of Faith Church in PA and was actually beginning to study Reformed Theology (That’s another story for another day).
Apart from a couple of books I had read by that time, I had no idea what “Presbyterianism” was. With no further a due, here is how the LORD led me into the Presbyterian Church.
October 4, 2005
I just finished studying Greek moments ago and felt that it would be appropriate to write a little tonight before going to bed.
Tomorrow is a big day! It is Regent University’s ministry fair. There will be ministers from across the Tidewater area that will be representing their respective ministries at the school.
I perceive that God is preparing to open a door for me to step into tomorrow. Call me crazy, but there is a particular someone in whom God has prepared before hand for me to meet. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, Father, that You will confirm in both of our hearts that we are to meet. I ask that You would confirm this foreordained relationship through a mutual acquaintance from WV. I thank You for guiding and leading my steps at this time. I commit myself to Your ways, knowing that You have ordained this time and that there is an opportunity that You are wanting me to embark upon at this time. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
[When writing and praying this I had in mind that God was going to introduce me to someone at the school that had a mutual friendship back home in WV]
October 7, 2005
I haven’t had the opportunity to write since the Ministry Fair this past weekend; however, I believe God did confirm what I asked of Him for the fair. The reason that I say confirm is that I still need to test this out. I asked God to confirm where I am to be through a mutual affiliation from WV while I was at the Ministry Fair.
I was at the Fair for a period of three hours and was actually on my way out when I came across this last booth. In all honesty I had full intentions of walking by due to the denominational affiliation. The Church representatives were from KPC (Kempsville Presbyterian Church). It’s not that I didn’t like the people and that I would not fellowship with them, it’s the fact that if I am going to expose myself to a particular ministry then I believe that I should be involved with one that is congruent with my own beliefs.
Beside the point, like I said, I had no intentions of going to this booth due to my exhaustion; however, I happened to have made eye contact with this particular gentleman and decided to strike up a friendly conversation. Upon talking with him I discovered that the Senior Pastor and Worship Leader used to minister at a church in Cross Lanes, WV [This is where I’m from].
When I first heard this I was simply shocked and surprised, to a degree. My first reaction was,
“God, I am not going to go to a Presbyterian Church! Why would you lead me to such a particular place?”
Upon further discussion I came to find out that the church is Charismatic and believes in the [gifts] of the Holy Spirit.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to attend the church and test out the will of the Lord in this matter. I commit this situation to You God and ask for You to have Your way. I will not be done but Yours!
Final Thoughts
I can’t say that my life goal was to be a Presbyterian Minister. Before attending Seminary, such a thought wasn’t even remotely on my radar. Amazingly enough I have had the opportunity to serve at an Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in WV and am now pursuing ordination through the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
My hope and desire is to serve as a Senior Pastor while finishing my Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with intentions of pursuing a Ph.D. or Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) so that I can have a greater ability and more opportunities to teach.
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