When it comes to ministry, and serving a local congregation particularly, there is rarely a routine day. That may have been the biggest learning curve I had to deal with almost 25 years ago. I have heard multiple pastors use the same comment through the years – “One of these days I am going to write a book . . .” This statement is normally made after encountering things that make us scratch our heads in amazement. Some of those experiences happen when God moves in amazing ways. And sometimes the statement follows times when people are just being people.
Several years ago, one of the churches I served decided to bring on a person from within the church to be the Children’s Minister. This particular lady had been a member of the church for many years. We were in a small enough town that everyone knew each other. So she knew the church and the people in the church (as well as those outside the church). For the first year, every week she would come to my office shaking her head and say, “I had no idea, I just had no idea.”
Ministry can be a challenge. We have the privilege of walking with individuals and families through some of the best days of their lives and in the same week, have the responsibility of walking with others through some of the darkest of days. As ministry leaders, we see the side of people that no one else sees.
The truth is, ministry is a calling. I do not know of anyone who survives ministry apart from the divine calling God places on our lives. It is a calling.
This week Kristi and I celebrate eight years of serving along side the First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi family! It has been quite an adventure to date! We have walked through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows together. And through all the joy and pain and growth and tears, God has been and continues to be faithful!
I am so grateful for this calling. The last few years have been exceptionally difficult because of all the things going on in the world. But ministry is never easy. However, it is always an adventure with new challenges weekly – sometimes daily. The calling to ministry is one in which we hear God say, “Hold on and enjoy the ride.”
What a ride indeed!
Clay in the Hands 
But you never appear frazzled! Thanks for all you are and all you do. You are a true blessing.
Thank you Jo Ann! You are such an encourager!