Pastor for the Presbytery, a New Chapter

Except for 2 years my husband has been a pastor since arriving in California in July of 1976. Now after serving in 4 churches he is  a regional home missionary for our presbytery. Since October 1 Steve has been adjusting to a new work style. His first order of business was to set up his new office. In spite of getting rid of many of his books, he still had so many books that it took 3 trips to Ikea to get the right amount of shelves. He took me to his office the other day. Much to my surprise in spite of its smallness and multitude of books, his office is quite nice. He even has made room for a stuffed chair for reading when the computer isn't necessary. He still needs to get internet connection and a new cell phone and then the easier part will be done.

It has not taken long for us to realize that he will have very little time for thumb twiddling. The list of possible sites for future churches is growing longer. The question is where should he make the priority. What should be my priority is an ongoing question for me as well. I was amazed at how long Thursday until Sunday afternoon seemed when our schedules took us in 2 different directions. Sometimes I will stay home because my role as full time nana needs attention, and sometimes keeping up with Steve may be too exhausting. This Friday we are going to a study in Maryland and then spend the night there. Saturday Steve attends a session meeting in Maryland and then we are headed to another Maryland location where Steve will be preaching on Sunday. Just typing it out makes it seem even more exhausting. The calendar used to be a nice, sometimes handy thing to use and now it has become such a necessity that I would wear it at my side if I could do it with ease.

As every pastor's wife knows, you think when your husband is home he is away from church business, but that can all change very quickly. Even if no one is calling or at the door, you can tell by the look in his eyes that concerns over church issues and people are causing that "here in body only" look. I know not even a month has gone by and perhaps this could all change. Steve actually took a day off and worked around the house without a distracted look. It just seems like when he's home he's more apt to be truly home.

Steve took no break after his last Sunday as pastor of Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church and he had already begun his work as regional home missionary. Saturday we left for 2 nights at a lovely b&b in Staunton, Virginia. This was also my late birthday present. I had taught The Merchant of Venice and so I was eager to see it performed at the Shakespearean theater in Staunton. The whole performance was well done. The actor who played Shylock did a superb job. This play is a powerful testimony to the reality of sin and the need for godly wisdom in our world.

The weather was autumn clear and beautiful. The b&b was only a little way off the highway but still seemed secluded. In the morning we ate breakfast in the heated sun porch facing east as the light increased and spread over the rolling fields. Our room was in the renovated barn. Looking out the glass door of our room I would occasionally see a fellow guest walk past with his camera ready to take pictures of the multicolored hillside.

We arrived in time for the matinee on Saturday and we began our return home on Monday afternoon. Although Steve managed to include a couple of  business contacts, it was decidedly our time away and a very refreshing break from the process of adjusting to a new type of pastoring. There are many things that God will reveal in due time about this work. How many churches will Steve be privileged to start? Where will these churches be located? What Bible studies will succeed and which ones will only flounder? How should Steve measure success? Is it only by numbers or is it by impacted hearts that only God can number? Please pray for him as he continues to discover what God has for him.


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