So...When did you know? Whenever I meet someone for the 1st time & I tell them that I'm a pastor. Then, I always get the comments about my age or being young...As a young adult in ministry, it's easy to feel like the only one...Although I had some younger pastors growing up, I never thought it was possible to be young & be a pastor. I think that's part of the reason that I wanted to be a youth director & not a pastor.
Enter a helpful associate pastor & an invitation to Exploration 2000...Exploration is a United Methodist discernment event for young people to hear their call into ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church.
I went to Exploration 2000 in Dallas, TX...I pretty much knew what my call was, but I wasn't sure that I could actually answer it yet...I honestly don't know how I got to Exploration-- I remember it being my 2nd plane ride ever and going with a former pastor of mine...And I'm not sure that I totally remember any of the speakers from the event...Although I looked at a list recently & they were really good-- people that I read now and think are amazing!
What I remember was looking around the room & not feeling alone...I remember sitting in my small group and not feeling crazy...I remember being a part of worship & feeling the presence of God in new ways...I remember talking to people at the seminary tables & feeling slightly overwhelmed, but very excited... I remember leaving thinking that I actually could answer the call that God had whispered.
As Exploration 2011 nears and young people are registering & speakers are preparing & the design team is working hard, my prayers & thoughts join with all who are blogging & praying today (and everyday of course!) for the event...I continue to pray for those who are hearing the whisper of God & think they're too young or they might be a little crazy or they feel alone. Trust me, you're not. If you need to have a large confirmation of that, attend Exploration.
