This is a special time for me. On June 1, I celebrated 30 years in the pastorate.
My first church was the Little Blue River Baptist Church in Shelby County. We had three daughters, ranging in age from 4 to 15.
Marci, the oldest, struggled somewhat with becoming a “preacher’s kid.” After all, she was raised as the daughter of an independent businessman in a community where our family name was quite prominent. No one knew us in Shelby County, and her new identity was a difficult adjustment for her.
Jocelyn, our youngest, really doesn’t remember being anything but a preacher’s kid, for I started back to college before she turned 2. So she rather enjoyed the attention she received being the daughter of the pastor. Candace’s upbringing included both worlds, so I don’t remember her struggling much with her identity.
The pastorate has taken us to many places. Following my first church, God called us to Jamestown, New York, to serve the First Baptist Church there. Marci had just completed her freshman year at Franklin College, so she remained in Indiana. Instead of her going off to college, we were the ones who left.
Jamestown was a mixed blessing for us. We loved the culture, but six months after serving this church, the area minister (similar to what United Methodists call a district superintendent) told me it was the worst church in New York I could have chosen. I felt he was less than forthright when he shared with me this opportunity.
We left after 2½ years, which was disastrous for Candace. It was in the middle of her senior year. But God brought her new friends at Center Grove High School that helped her transition.
A major good thing about our experience in Jamestown: It was there that she developed a love for choral music, and it solidified her decision to become a music teacher. Last year she received “Teacher of the Year” in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
It is rarely an easy journey to answer God’s call to pastoral ministry. But God’s providential care has seen me and my family through the journey.
Our individual faith journeys also are rarely an easy journey. But as you trust in God completely, his providential care will see you through.
July 1 will begin my sixth year at New Palestine United Methodist Church. I am blessed.
Mark Wesler is pastor of New Palestine United Methodist Church. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to dr-editorial@greenfield reporter.com.
