I would like to give everyone a quick overview of my Job history and work in Churches. I’ve spent much of my life working as a vehicle repair professional. This work may seem a strange way to enter working for God’s kingdom. But I will say it taught me patience which has been helpful as I have studied to become a ruling elder and then to later into the pulpit.
As I previously stated I worked as repair professional. I started working on cars in 1977. I worked in Chrysler dealerships for a large duration of my time in the industry, I became aware of some gifts that God granted me which led me to different areas of the industry. The gift of listening moved me to the area of service adviser and later service manager. I also received the gift of organization and the ability to understand numbering systems which led me into the replacement parts side of the industry. These may not sound like useful traits for work in the church. They did provide me with experience in listening to people and understanding what they are asking for or trying to express even when they are not sure of their ideas. Learning to ask questions when things are unclear helps both sides to articulate the thoughts of the congregation and the direction they are being called.
My work in the church started in 1996 when I was enrolled in the pilot program for what was called at that time Commissioned Lay Pastors program. I finished the program and seed to be led into Pulpit supply. I have spent several years filling pulpits with a break of time when my other job called me into working almost every Sunday. God led me through that season and about three years ago he again called me back into service. This time he called me to refresh my training, so I asked and received permission to attend the formation on ministry cohort. While also filling pulpits. I still felt called to give pastors in churches time to refresh by being available when they need to take time away. I finished the training through The Presbytery and Columbia Theological Seminary.
I was then asked to fill the pulpit for Dayton Memorial Presbyterian Church. I must say that I had no expectation of my path changing. The first time I spoke with everyone involved in the church I would have to say it felt like I was at home. The feeling has only been strengthened as I have been allowed to continue working with the church and congregation.