How Can I Serve You?
Between Two Worlds Day 20 (of 40)HOW CAN I SERVE YOU?
That is a question that we pastors learn to ask before we even assume the mantle of a church. Of course it may be that the call to serve is what drives us to become pastors rather than the other way around. The truth of the matter is that I was never called to serve the church. From the beginning I felt called to serve a deeper purpose and spirit that we often call God. It just happened to be that the church was the best place to do that, at least for a time.I used to say that I left the ministry for a time when I was referring to the period from 1997-2006. But later I adapted my story and said, "I left the pastoral ministry for awhile." I never left the ministry. I continued to serve, but my ministry was with hospice patients and their families, adjudicated adolescents in foster care and non-profit organizations.I don't think my call to serve will ever go away. It's possible that I might end up being employed in for-profit businesses at some point, but it would only be to support my real love--serving the community and recovering the language of the Soul in our public life.
To that end I have a very practical request. I want to know how I can best serve you. Sometime in the next 9-18 months I am likely to finish the interim pastor position where I am currently employed (called). I know that I may need to transition directly into another interim position after that. But in the meantime I would like to develop as much of the Pedal Pilgrim work as I can. My dream would be to someday do this freelance work full time, but I am okay with whatever the gods have in store. Maybe I'll be able to get away with half time or three quarter time work where I can dedicate the remainder of my time to this passion that has a tight grip on me.But I need your help!Below are a few statements for you, my readers. Would you leave a comment or write me personally at brian@pedalpilgrim.com and tell me which statements or combination of statements apply to you. Or write your own little essay about whether I am going the right direction or not. Anything except staying quiet works for me! (If you want you can copy these into your comment and then check them.)I know what I can offer. I know what I want to do, but what I really need to know is how I can best serve you.How can I best serve you?___Please continue to regularly write your blog.___Please give me an opportunity to make a monthly pledge (see www.patreon.com) to support your creative work.___Please notify me of books write from your pilgrimages and soul work.___Please invite me to any retreats where you are listed as the retreat leader.___Please give me an opportunity to financially support your next spiritual pilgrimage (www.kickstarter.com)___Please invite me to attend a one or two week pilgrimage led by you.___Please offer one-on-one coaching and soul work to your readers and followers.Inviting you to take this journey with me...Brian