In honor of the 20th Anniversary of my Pastor’s Ordination, Rev. Dr. Judith Dalton.

There is pain and hurting in the world.  Ministry is the way that God has chosen to speak the good news, the healing Word to a hurting world.

Clergy grow into their ministry.  The Faithful Minister allows their faith to shape their daily living.  Which means that they  learn to love above all else especially when it is a painful burden to bear.

They are lovingly persistent. Resolutely steadfast. Humbly enduring the suffering that will come when you love God and God’s people!

This requires that the Clergy learn to accept that they will fall short and learn to lean on God’s grace and forgiveness.

However, when it is done as it was intended by the one who calls us to service, ministry becomes a light shining through the darkness.  It casts that light over the troubled waters of the soul, giving us the courage to step out of our little boat and discover life on our way to the far shore.

Congratulations, Dr. Judy!