Long-Haul Ministry

Today marks a milestone in my ministry.  On August 21, 2006, I became the Conference Minister of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ, a role that I both admired and resisted.  I really did not know what would be required at the time that I was called here.  Ten years later, after a decade of service in the New Hampshire Conference, I reflect on the paths we have walked.  It is clear that together we have been engaged for the long haul.  It is by the grace of God that we have endured and persevered in love.  I rejoice in the gift of time and the faithful saints who seek to follow Jesus on the journey of faith.  They inspire me with their example.  I am convinced that the Holy Spirit is at work in this Conference.  I meet the God who creates and resurrects as I worship in the midst of Christ's people here in New Hampshire.  We are not alone.  We are never alone.

There are some predictable rhythms to this ministry.  Annual meetings come around regularly, as do Prepared to Serve, Clergy Convocation, General Synod, and the monthly meetings of our seven Association Committees on Church & Ministry.  There are sad moments in this ministry--great disappointments--when churches and their pastors fall out of loving relationship, when ministers act in ways that violate their vows, when church folk forget that they are disciples of Jesus Christ.  There are endless transitions in this ministry.  With 135 local churches, someone is always coming or going.  Simultaneously, there is sadness, and there is joy.

Tonight, as I reflect on what has been accomplished in these ten years, I am grateful for the kindness, generosity, and spiritual encouragement that I have received from so many.  Your prayers have upheld me.  I am exceedingly grateful to God for the gift of colleagues and co-workers who have been exceedingly patient with me and deeply faithful in their own service.  Together we have made a difference in the life of Christ's Church in New Hampshire.  There will always be more that might  have been done, but we have served to the best of our God-given gifts--and we have changed hearts and lives with the grace and mercy of God in the process.  That is satisfaction.  That is a source of joy.

So, I conclude with these texts that fill my heart and undergird my hope today:

• In the words of Paul, "Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1, NRSV).  
• In the words of the author of Hebrews:  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,  and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1, NRSV). 
• In the living word of Jesus, who continues to call:  "Follow me" (Mark 1:17, NRSV).

Holy One, who summoned me to serve as a little child in baptismal waters and in broken bread, your call continues to motivate and move me in ministry.  Thank you for all those who share life and ministry in your holy Church.  Thank you for those whose ministry changes the world in amazing ways.  May Jesus be glorified in what has been and in what is yet to come.  Amen.