03-18-2018, 09:42 PM
This is a sequel to my previous post about a great adventure.
I've tried to be careful about establishing the title "elder" with my ministry. At the same time, I've performed a lot of pastoral ministry. There's a reason for that: Technically I'm an apostle. Let's not go crazy and make that a title with a capital "A" -- it's just the proper New Testament word for the role I play. An apostle is both elder and priest because he's a missionary. However, in a virtual setting, there's not much point in trying to do much priestly stuff. That requires a personal presence; it's meant to be experienced first hand.
As part of my expectation for adventure, I remain convinced that sooner or later I'll be coming to visit some of you physically. That's when you'll get a chance to sample some apostolic ministry. But this business of traveling stands out there somewhere in the mists of the future; I have no idea how it's going to be possible. All I know is that it must happen. The reason I make that a prayer request is because I want to avoid investing too much in something that won't happen. I'll follow my heart, but my brain is struggling on this issue. There's just too little to go on right now.
I believe it's a request the Father will entertain, but with all the usual caveats: "Be careful what you ask for." I'm willing to take that risk. I'm seeking a vision of service that will put me in the right place, at the right time, so that we can meet together face to face. There will have to be a lot more involved than just that, but it will have to be there.
I've tried to be careful about establishing the title "elder" with my ministry. At the same time, I've performed a lot of pastoral ministry. There's a reason for that: Technically I'm an apostle. Let's not go crazy and make that a title with a capital "A" -- it's just the proper New Testament word for the role I play. An apostle is both elder and priest because he's a missionary. However, in a virtual setting, there's not much point in trying to do much priestly stuff. That requires a personal presence; it's meant to be experienced first hand.
As part of my expectation for adventure, I remain convinced that sooner or later I'll be coming to visit some of you physically. That's when you'll get a chance to sample some apostolic ministry. But this business of traveling stands out there somewhere in the mists of the future; I have no idea how it's going to be possible. All I know is that it must happen. The reason I make that a prayer request is because I want to avoid investing too much in something that won't happen. I'll follow my heart, but my brain is struggling on this issue. There's just too little to go on right now.
I believe it's a request the Father will entertain, but with all the usual caveats: "Be careful what you ask for." I'm willing to take that risk. I'm seeking a vision of service that will put me in the right place, at the right time, so that we can meet together face to face. There will have to be a lot more involved than just that, but it will have to be there.
