Now that has got to get your attention! Actually, I will be ordained in the Christian Reformed Church and installed as the pastor of Celebration Community Church in Muskegon, MI on Feb 19. Ten years ago I would have laughed at this. Even today I chuckle a bit but it is more out of God's goodness to me and his funny way of directing my life.
But, in crafting this ordination service, I realized that an ordination service is in many ways like a marriage ceremony. There are commitments and promises made between 2 parties with the direct and active involvement of our God. Like a wedding, many of the words to be spoken at the ceremony seem long and drawn out. It is necessary to give it some structure and direction. The bigger picture is that the meaning behind the words and the substance of our hearts is proclaimed.
I know that there will be challenges in the future after this ordination but I need to remember that it is like a marriage. I need to remain true to the commitments I make and to do everything I can to build this "marriage". This is the crux of my promise on Feb. 19. I want to be a man of character who honors his promises to others, lovingly cares for those who are in his care, and most of all finds favor with God.
I make the commitment and promise to Celebration Community Church in the sight of God and his people, that I will do all in my power to have and to hold from this day further, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love and to cherish from this day forth.
I am getting married, again!
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