Ordination - You're Invited
There’s an ordination service set for Tuesday, May 31. You’re invited - even if you can’t attend.
The day will mark the end of what basically amounts to a residency period of ministry for me and the beginning of life-long ministry as an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church. I’m not the only one being ordained. There is actually a rather large group of us. It’s quite an honor to be in a class with so many pastors who absolutely inspire me.
If you come, one thing you’ll notice is that each pastor being ordained will have a few people join them to lay hands on them in prayer. Each person will have a special significance to the one they’re praying for.
I’d like to tell you about all the people who will join me.
Bishop Huie - One of the coolest things about the office of the bishop in the UMC is the connection to apostolic succession. That means, bishop by bishop, those who ordain through the laying on of hands can be traced back to the very apostles sent out by Jesus. This is one of those moments when church tradition gets very cool.
Jay Jackson - Jay is my district super intendant and oversees churches throughout the Southwest Houston area. This connection is more special considering the church he served before taking this new role. Jay is a former senior pastor to the church that raised me - Holy Covenant UMC.
Pat Sparks - I’ve never had a mentor like Pat. As the lead pastor of St. Peter’s UMC, he coaches me, counsels me and sets the direction for our church. Pat shows me the value of patience and is one of the greatest strategic minds I’ve known in the church. He sought me out, gave me my first opportunity to serve as a pastor and trusts me to lead The Element. I can’t think of anyone better to begin ministry under than him. It has been an incredible two years. Here’s to many more!
Bert Bagley - This is the only person I have ever called my pastor. I also call him dad. He shows me what it is to serve and to love. He shows me that lifelong ministry is worth it. He takes my last-minute phone calls when I ask for advice on all sorts of things. He always has a great response, but he takes the time to listen and empathize first. I’ll be the latest in an incredibly long line of ordained pastors to be able to point to him as the one who encouraged us to follow God’s call into ministry. I don’t know anyone more passionate about raising up new generations of disciples than he is.
Priscilla Bagley - Here is the most consistent witness to following Jesus that I have ever known. She inspires me daily, encourages me, walks through fire with me and knows what it is to come out on the other side. She is devoted to representing Christ’s love in all her relationships. And I get to be married to her. I couldn’t have a better person to partner with, to walk with in ministry to all the world. Priscilla is proof that God gives amazing, undeserved gifts.
And then there’s you. You’re invited - even if you can’t attend. This section is for so many family members, dear friends, mentors, fellow pastors, fellow members of the body of Christ. To have your support and your prayers means a lot to me. I know it does to my friends as well.
For those of you who can make it, you’ll be invited to stand and pray while those listed above lay hands on me. Don’t get me wrong, I think you should come on down to the front and join the crowd. I mean, who’s going to stop you? (I wrote that part for you, Mom.) But you standing with me means more than I can communicate. I can’t possibly hope to follow through on this calling without the support of those who know what it is to stand in prayer.
That’s why you’re invited even if you can’t attend. You’re prayers are valuable. We need them - all of us. Honestly, more than just those being ordained. Pray for a pastor today. And if you pray, you're really attending. The road of vocational ministry is hard and incredibly good. Sometimes it helps to be reminded of all who stand with you in prayer and support. That’s the gift of family and the gift of community. That’s the gift we find in the love of God.
