In The Forum

This month’s forum column is brought to you by Chris Clark, Creative Arts & Student Ministries pastor at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church… jump to forum

Welcome

Greetings!

Welcome to the portal for ordination and consecration in the PNW district of the C&MA! Feel free to download and interact. We will try to add some posts, thoughts, and musings that will intersect you and your ministry development.

I am so glad that you are on this incredible path towards ordination/consecration. Many people get into the track simply because it is the next thing they are supposed to do to be an Alliance pastor, but let me encourage you to shift your grid and think differently about the entire process. The truth is that this can be as life-infusing, or deflating as you make it.

To step onto the road less traveled of full time vocational ministry has its genesis not in requirements or conditions, but in calling. To help maximize your calling the LC&O team are here to help, equip, encourage, challenge and confirm the calling on your life. The call to ministry is not easy, and it takes men and women who are not only passionate about Jesus, but also have the knowledge, and personal heart transformation of the deeper life to impact and help others along the spiritual path.

There is an incredible mystery that comes along with the ordination/consecration of a man or woman. At the omega of your studies and examination, you enter into an ancient rhythm that began as Christ commissioned His apostles to go and be light bearers to a dark world. This process is more than simply fulfilling academic and doctrinal requirements. It’s far more than receiving the titles that will go with your various ministries, and it is much richer than simply having a credential to hang on the wall.

We all know that those things do not make a true leader…but rather this process is one of tuning, honing, challenging, sweating, and allowing the academic, spiritual and practical facets of your divine call to take you deeper into the heart and passion of Jesus.

The world does not simply need more people who are theologically educated, the world need’s men and women committed to the call, passionate about Jesus, walking in the authority that comes from a deep sense of knowing that you have a confirmation of the call God spoke to you.

There is definitely a deep mystery that transpires as hands are laid over you in confirming prayer welcoming you to a life that is like no other, a life dedicated to following Jesus Christ and making Him known. One thing is for sure, you will never be the same!

So welcome to the journey, I am glad you are here!

Monty
Chair LC&O