The trip out west was primarily because I had to appear before my Presbytery and be examined to become a Candidate for Ordination to the Ministry of the Word & Sacrament. We were lucky enough to be able to turn it into a vacation that was really wonderful. Last Friday I went before my CPM and was examined as to my calling, my faith and my experience with Christian service. I’m sure it wasn’t bad as far as CPM meetings can go. I was very honest (some thought a bit too much so), shared where I’m at and listened to some thoughts about ways in which they’re encouraging me to grow. I honestly wasn’t sure how it was going to go as I was walking into the room, but they continued to be, on the whole, very supportive of me and my future ministry. [My favorite part during the interview, was when the Chair of my CPM kindly informed me that he reads my blog almost daily – and I’m sure he’s reading this. I figured it would happen sooner or later, especially now with the link from the Washington Post…]
Last Saturday I went before Presbytery, read my (Evolving) Statement of Faith and answered a few questions. My favorite moment was when the Executive Presbyter got up and shared a bit about when he first met me. His first impression of me was that I was a full-of-energy camp “dude” with a guitar slung around my back and he wasn’t really sure I had a brain anywhere in there. He thought I was a “really nice guy” but didn’t think there was much going on inside. He assured me and Presbytery that he’s seen me grow a lot and is now certain that I do, in fact, have a brain (which is a good thing). After the questioning, I left, and they voted and I officially became a Candidate.
And that’s that. Now I get to sit patiently and wait until October to receive my Ordination Exam results, and see what’s next.
I lied. I now remember my favorite moment from the Presbytery meeting. In my statement of faith, there is a line that reads:
Throughout all of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, he showed the way, the power of truth and the abundance of life. In the end, he would give his life on the cross, and through that sacrificial act, give humanity the gift of salvation, hope, redemption and liberation from bondage.
A woman stood up and said that she really enjoyed my statement and then read the last line again and said, “You say that through the cross, we all receive liberation from bondage. I’m wondering if you could give us an example from your personal life how you have received liberation from bondage.”
Yah, That was a fun.