Introducing: Rev Miller
For quite a few years now, I have been working toward ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church. This journey started long before I even realized that ministry was where I was being called, but even after realizing that maybe I should listen to the many people in my life saying I should be a pastor, it took me a while to move from my life as Mr. Miller, the debate coach, back to Chris, the seminary student. It has been a long journey, but these last few years have been some of the most wonderful, if most challenging, of my life.
Over the past four years I have gone through the ups and downs of deciding to leave a career in education, losing my last surviving grandparent, getting engaged and married, and moving across the country to attend seminary, to just name a few. I have had amazing friends and family beside me, and have added quite a few people to my list of close friends. All of this has led to an amazing moment: my ordination as a Teaching Elder (or pastor) in the Presbyterian Church.
Two weeks ago, on July 5th, I stood in front of over a dozen pastors, along with a sanctuary filled with friends, family, and congregation members from several area churches, and answered the questions of ordination. I had hands laid on me, and I was prayed over. I received kinds words of advice and encouragement from pastors and mentors, and was given the symbols of ordained ministry (robe, stole, cross). We sang lots of my favorite hymns, and for the first time in my life, I officiated at the table.
It is no understatement to say that the day was one of the more meaningful in my life; right up there with my wedding. It is hard to describe the feeling of standing behind the table, and breaking the bread and pouring the cup, as you look into the eyes of family and friends. There can be no doubt that you are doing something of great importance; of great weight.
In the coming weeks I am hoping to be able to post a video of the service, so those of you who couldn't be there in person can see what it was like. In the mean time, these photos will have to do! Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey; I look forward to sharing the next steps with you!
Peace!
