ordination

The biggest day of my professional career occurred the past Sunday evening; I was ordained as a “Minister of the Word” in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC). To be honest I didn’t know exactly what is would look like, but now that it is past I would chose to give it three words: special, honoring, and foundational.

It was special for many reasons; my folks and K8’s folks flew out from Colorado for the event. While they were here we celebrated Montana’s, my daughter not the state, birthday, which was very cool. Having family present for both events was a reminder of God blessing K8 and I w/ such support and love. Many from my old church in British Columbia (Bridge Community Church) came down. It was there where they allowed me to grow in my pastoral identity and they spoke greatly into my life. It was also special to have many of my new church community present. I believe around eight churches were represented, in a display of God’s unity among different communities…very cool.

Honoring was the second word to describe the event. Pastor John of Bethel CRC in Lynden conducted the worship service and preached. In his message he spoke of the importance for me, and all of us, to live out our faith and call in all aspects of our lives. I would use the phrase, “holistic faith” to describe the call to live out a lifestyle of worship that is seen in work, play, and social interaction. He also called me to not preach theology, politics, culture, or other agendas, but only preach the living word of God seen in the scriptures. This of course infirmed our theology, politics, culture, and other spheres of our lives, but as a pastor I am called to preach the Trinitarian God, seen in the Bible. It was a mighty word to hear on such a day. I was honored to hear it from John, who has served as a friend and guide in my first months of this new ministry. It was especially honoring to have my friend William Dellemen of the Bridge give me my charge as a new pastor. His mentorship and leadership has been and continues to be a model I which to follow. I was also honoring to have Mark Davies of 2^nd CRC give the charge to the community to support me and partner w/ me in ministry. His insight on the CRC, ministry, and the pastorate has been a blessing. Finally, it was honoring to have Les Mulder, elder at Bethel, pray on behalf of the communities represented. I am honored to partner w/ such a supportive community.

Lastly, the event was foundational. As a pastor in the CRC I am called to “preach the Word, administer the sacraments [communion and baptism], conduct public worship services, catechize the youth, and train members for Christian service.” This is what, through my ordination, I have been set aside to do. This will be present in my life, whether in church planting or whatever else the Lord calls me to in the future. As we serve together as students of Christ, I anticipate I will look back on these tasks during good and challenging times. The beauty of serving as the body of Christ, allows us to compliment each others gifts and passions.

So, all that to say my ordination service was special, honoring, and foundational. And maybe I’ll add the word “cool” to the bunch, b/c it was.

Blessings.

one

"...and so Aaron entered the world of blogging, excited, nervous, and wondering how often he would actually make entries. He didn't know who would read it, who would care, or who would stalk him as a result of the ensuing fame from the blog's popularity. All Aaron knew was that it seemed like a good idea. He hoped it would help his journey toward a simple, intentional, holistic lifestyle of worship and community... and to be cool. Aaron hoped to use the blog to share stories and pictures of culture, faith, community, and growth. It would remain to be seen if that happened, but it was worth a try. It was the one of many new beginnings for Aaron, from being in a new place, to starting a new career, to finding a new tribe. Yes, it was a new day for Aaron, but who would have thought..."