7 down

I've been thinking lately, how it's been seven years, to today I think, that the search committee of Gateway Covenant Church flew me in for a sneak visit to the church. It's a bit fuzzy, but as I recollect they had brought in a possible candidate or two to present to the church, who turned out to be rather a poor fit. So, they brought me in to meet with them as a committee, and I attended church, kind of as a visitor on Sunday morning.

I remember it was a weird, fun weekend. I wasn't motivated to leave the place where I was pastoring, so I felt no pressure to perform. I was able to relax, and be myself.

I recall that the search committee was huge, as in 15 people or so. The thinking was to have all the different groups that made up Gateway, in that group. I remember feeling like the task was way bigger than I was, that we could fit here, but my work would change from church planting/building to church care and healing. I had felt God leading me in those directions for some time already.

Sunday morning the church thought I was a guest, and treated me as such. I remember feeling welcomed, but the Sanctuary was so open and empty ...

After the service, the search committee and I went out to lunch, and I saw how they interacted with one another. That was kind of a neat thing, I recall being impressed.

Later that afternoon I flew back to Winnipeg. And a couple of weeks later the church called and asked if we would like to bring our family down for a weekend, which we did.

The rest, as they say, was history.

Mostly, I love it here.

I love the generosity and patience of the people. I love the city. I love that we've been able to explore different kinds of worship. I love that the church has been getting healthy, that the children have been growing up and going into ministry themselves.

And, after 7 not always easy years, I can say I do love being here still. And I'm ready to remain as long as the head of this church wants me to stay here.