This week has been a week to remember for many different reasons. The decision that I have been waiting on, and the one that many of you have been praying for, has come in the mail. To better explain it I will just write out part of the letter and everybody is welcome to read the letter in full; just ask. The following is a direct quote from my letter:

"It is with joy that I share with you that the Colloquy Committee for Pastoral Ministry of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod at its meeting on May 10, 2005, made the decision to certify you for pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. I would like to welcome you into the ministerium of our church, and pray God’s abundant blessing on you as you begin service to the Lord in this new calling."

Because of all of your prayers, letters and other support you have shown to me, they have decided from my interview that I do not have to do any other study and/or work toward ordination. This does not mean that my learning is over. Every day is a new day to learn how to do the work the Lord has called me to do for the church even better. It’s just that the Colloquy Committee is satisfied that I can do the work of the Lord without any further seminary work. I know that I still need to learn what it means to be a good pastor and I know there will be times that I will mess up. Just keep me in your prayers and offer me forgiveness when I do things wrong, for I am in many ways still very new to all of this.

As for what is next, first I have to be placed by the Council of Presidents on roster, and placed into a call process. What that means is that as an alternate route candidate I have to go through our District President Paul Hartman. He has to make arrangements for me to receive a call from this new position from the churches, and after that will come my ordination. This process will not happen overnight, but I have talked to President Hartman and he hopes that it can occur sometime in July or August. I will tell you more as I find out. God’s blessings.

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