It's getting closer and closer!
On November 1, 2022, I will be "unofficially" retired from full-time ministry as an ordained United Methodist pastor. I've been appointed, by the resident bishop of the Central Texas Annual Conference, every year for the past 30.5 years to serve a pastor of a church. I've served the congregations at Palo Pinto and Graford, Waco First, Godley, Hewitt, Grapevine First (for 10 years), Crowley and finally ending up at Comanche and Gustine. All in all, it's been a good run. I'd consider it again. I have a couple of regrets, and I'm pretty proud that some ministries I started are still going strong. If given a ministerial score . . . I'm humbly confidant that I "passed."
October 16th was my last Sunday in the pulpit as a full-time pastor appointed by my Bishop. I've been checking in as needed, and going in a couple of times a week. We actually moved into our new home on October 1st. I had forgotten how great it feels to have your own home. We've had some great parsonages, but having your own home just feels more satisfying. I can look around and say to myself, "it's all mine." Of course that means that I'll no longer have a Board of Trustees to call if there is a problem. Any problem with my house is my problem! Or rather, a challenge. I like challenges, especially if it's work that I can do myself.
What's next? First, I'm taking off the entire month of November and December. I'm only saying "yes" to my wife and family, and some fishing. My home office is no where in the shape it needs to be, and I still have far too many books that I will never read since I've started using a Kindle. Taking off for the holidays with no church services to plan will probably seem a bit odd at first, but I'm certain that I'll get used to it sooner than later.
I believe there will be some opportunities for me in January if I feel called to step back in the part-time or interim ministry. But for right now, I'd decided to not think about it too much. I've been called a couple of times to gauge my interest in doing something part-time. My answer so far has been, "call me back after the first of the year." New opportunities will come soon enough!
More to report at a later time.
