Two Sides To Calling

In scripture the term "called" in relation to a vocation ministry is only used twice, yet the term "called" in relationship to every believer is used more often. I have felt a calling to ministry in my life. Yesterday I included the question "Is Pastor Ben leaving the ministry?" as an exaggeration to demonstrate how rumors get out of control. Well, it turns out...

I am not leaving the ministry, but I am leaving Severn River Church.

Apparently the rumor has already gone around though that I'm leaving the ministry. When you are dedicating yourself to serving the Lord you serve at His will. There are two sides to understanding His will. One is a releasing from, the other is a calling to. So far over the last 15 years I have always had a calling to: calling to VFCC, calling to PAG, calling to SRC. In this case I find myself released from Severn River Church without a real sense of where I'm called to.

This is probably where the confusion comes in for others. We are much more comfortable with knowing the answers than we are with only questions. But this is the faith part of following God's lead.

Release From: Faith
Calling To: Faithfulness

A friend of mine said that he couldn't imagine what I might do next because there are so many options: Further education, higher education, staff pastor, lead pastor, large church, turn around church, etc.

Well, I'm trying to figure that one out right now and looking for the door that God will open. I'm not sure it will open right away. But when it does I want the courage and obedience to walk through it.

--Ben