Yesterday I attended the ordination of my friend Chris Honig. He is now a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (ELCA) Even though I am not ordained, I feel profound grace in the ritual moments of this rite. One of the moments I look forward to witnessing is when the other clergy lay hands on their newest colleague in a moment of blessing.
All pastors present also prayed for Chris, one at a time, coming forward and taking their own moment to lift up Chris and his ministry to God. I was shocked how much this affected me. I think it is because we are at a moment in time where we are highly connected to each other but only at arm's-length...or cyber arm's-length! We rarely make physical contact with other people. We keep a respectful, germ-free distance with one another. But in this sacred moment pastor after pastor broke through our cultural issues of "personal space" and was physically present for Chris.
As each took their turn I noticed the pastors that Chris knew personally and have helped shape his sense of ministry for the church and the world. There were some that he knew through his family as he grew up in the church. And then there were the ones who Chris does not know yet but will be great models of humble service and joyful leadership. I can't wait for him to get to know each of them better - and for them to know Chris!
As each took their turn I noticed the pastors that Chris knew personally and have helped shape his sense of ministry for the church and the world. There were some that he knew through his family as he grew up in the church. And then there were the ones who Chris does not know yet but will be great models of humble service and joyful leadership. I can't wait for him to get to know each of them better - and for them to know Chris!
This new pastor is surrounded by men and women who intimately know this call and what it means to live it out. They know the joys and frustrations of being a spiritual leader. They have prayed with and for people in a hospital room and the aisle of a grocery store. The have been present for the profound moments of people's lives: births, deaths, marriages, illness and healing, unemployment, heartache, forgiveness and reconciliation, and moments of deep questions about God. They trust the Holy Spirit works though them even when they themselves are spiritually dry.
Each called and ordained minister brought these experiences with them when they prayed for Chris. I imagine, as they put their hands on his head and leaned in close, they prayed for strength and wisdom, peace and understanding, energy and calm, and that Chris would always be listening for the loving and challenging voice of God in his ministry and his life.
At least....that is what I pray for Chris.
~ pam
Each called and ordained minister brought these experiences with them when they prayed for Chris. I imagine, as they put their hands on his head and leaned in close, they prayed for strength and wisdom, peace and understanding, energy and calm, and that Chris would always be listening for the loving and challenging voice of God in his ministry and his life.
At least....that is what I pray for Chris.
~ pam
