No Longer a Pastor

Saturday August 4, 2007 ~ 3 Comments

Now that I am no longer a teaching pastor/elder at Lake Ridge Church, I miss preaching. And, it has only been three weeks.

That is not a good sign for future marital bliss-- since Mrs. Stetzer wants to find a church to attend and join as soon as possible!

But, simply put. I already miss pastoring. It just seems right to be in fellowship with other believers and to serve by using your spiritual gifts in the context of community.

Thankfully, I will have the opportunity to share in some churches in the coming weeks. My friend and, until he went the way of all flesh, co-worker at LifeWay, Mark Marshall, has invited me to come preach at his church (Clearview Baptist Church) (near Nashville) this Sunday.

Then, I will have the honor to preach at Ridgecrest Baptist (August 12th) in Jackson, MS and then at First Baptist of Norfolk (August 26th).

I will preach on "doubt" at Clearview (following Thomas in John 14:1-5; John 20:19-31) and on missional issues at Ridgecrest and First Baptist Norfolk (both messages from Acts).

Posted on August 4, 2007 at 6:41 PM ~ 3 Comments

Tagged with: first norfolk, ministry, pastor, preaching

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3 Comments

By Nick on August 4, 2007 10:28 PM

I know exactly what you mean!! i just stepped into a role at a church where I am not preaching very frequently. And I really miss having that opportunity each week to encourage and be mouthpiece for God to a group of people. It is an adjustment, but I believe God prepares us in a unique way for each role He has us working. Keep up the good work, though - you may not be exhorting from a pulpit, but you sure are doing a great job exhorting through your blog!

By Chris Conad on August 5, 2007 7:01 AM

Ed, you are absolutely right... it just feels weird not to preach. Like something in life is not right. After having preached every Sunday for 13 years (with a couple of Sundays off for vacation and such) that was probably the hardest adjustment and taking my present job at Wesleyan hq. I'm thankful for you that the Lord is giving you opportunities to preach in the next few weeks (yeah!) and that in your present situation, you are being asked to speak in many different places (yes it is VERY different to preach to lights than to preach to a congregation - but at least your communication gift is being used). As you know, I'm in Costa Rica and I found out a few hours ago that I will be preaching in a few hours. I'm preaching out of Ephesians 1 - can't wait! Have a great day of ministry friend!

By Jason Epps on August 6, 2007 5:43 PM

Ed,

You need to start a new church. You're good at it, and I'm sure Nashville is in need of some new wineskins.

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