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Hi Y'all. It has been a long time since I have written and a lot has occurred. If you have ever looked at my old postings on this blog you will see that I have served as a pastoral care provider for many years in the health care industry. However, God has a way of changing our directions. About a year ago God moved me to Virginia and the pastorate of Colony Friends Church in Newport News.

In many ways these two types of ministries have similarities. On a daily basis I sit and listen to individuals who are seeking God's direction for their lives. (What about you? Have you figured out the direction that God is guiding you and desires to use you.) When I served as a hospital chaplain I spent most of my time paying attention to the journeys, struggles, and dreams of individuals, and groups, one case at a time. Each visit was unique. Each person I spoke to had something they were working through. Weekends offered opportunities for sermon delivery and leading Bible studies. Perhaps the biggest difference in the Pastorate is that I get to preach every Sunday and teach regularly. As a chaplain I would rarely preach the same place two weeks in a row. For the last year I have preached series after series and there is much more to do. As a pastor there is still a significant amount of time to do the one on one work of the pastoral care professional.

So What Next?

Beginning today I am going to begin writing out of my wealth as a pastor. My study in preparation to preach and teach regularly reveals more information than I can put in a sermon or Bible study. So if you pay attention there will be much more to come.

Pastor Al