My friend and ministry colleague Dan Bouchelle recently wrote an essay on his blogspot reflecting on his sentiments of being a minister who grew up in a preacher’s home. It was very enlightening to me, because not only did I not grow up as a preacher’s kid, but I can count on one hand the number of times we went to church during my childhood. His background has made his professional experience much different than mine.

What has ministry been like for a person who did not grow up in church at all? I am not sure that I have ever asked myself that question, but Dan’s personal reflections prompted some thinking along those lines. I finished graduate school and went to work in an associate ministry role in a large church in 1987. I assumed that the church would treat me in an honest and fair manner. And I was well aware of the fact that I had an awful lot to learn. I hoped they would be willing to work me as I gained experience. The congregation in Wichita Falls, TX far surpassed my two basic expectations. They were most certainly honest and fair in every possible way. Our older boys were born during our time there. I recall receiving generous salary increases when both of the boys were born. They went out of their way to accommodate me when my mother was being cared for by Hospice in Lubbock. But I what I remember most is that they forgave me when I made mistakes. They were a very patient group of people. The church far exceeded my expectations.

As I grew in my professional life, I had the opportunity to assume more responsibility by being in a preaching role for a church in West Texas. Our family left the security of our fist church in 1995. I had to learn to some difficult lessons during this time period. At age 33, I was not nearly as wise as I thought I was at the time. The church there had struggled with turnover in ministers prior to our arrival. It was a three year learning experience for certain! But even in the midst of some difficult times, that little congregation was so generous in so many ways. I cannot possibly recount all of the kind things they did for us. The teens there spoiled our boys rotten. And most of all they encouraged me so much as I learned to prepare sermons every Sunday. Three years later it was time for another move.

We spent the next 6 years in Woodward, OK. I decided to go back to school and pursue a Doctor of Ministry degree. The church there was amazing. They treated us like royalty. They encouraged me in every possible way as I worked on the degree work. They allowed me to teach as an adjunct instructor at the university, so I could pay my tuition in graduate school. They were supportive of our family in every way imaginable. When I graduated with my final degree, they threw a party in my honor that I will never forget. After graduation, I stayed another year, but I longed to get back closer to family and close friends.

We moved to Granbury in 2004. The work here has been challenging and interesting. I have been able to make good use of my all of my training and education in so many different ways. I have had the privilege of working with very bright co-workers. My law enforcement chaplaincy efforts have been the most fruitful here of all the places I have lived.

What do I expect from the church today? I want to be treated fairly and honestly. I hope they will be forgiving as I continue to grow and learn. That has been my experience here in Granbury since I have been here. As I continue to think about Dan’s comments, I need to ask myself if 23 years of church related ministry has changed me as a person. Have I become someone I did not intend to become? Am I still the same John that my friends I grew up with knew? Have I fallen into the pit of what I call “professional righteousness?” Those are all important questions. I think I will reflect on them more in tomorrow’s post.
Tonight I am very grateful to the churches I have served.  They have been pretty patient with someone who could count on one hand how many times he went to church growing up.