Introduction to Ordination

Path to Ordination

Everyone of you has stepped onto this path from a different entry point. Some of you have been in ministry for many years and you could be teaching some of what is going to be taught over the next couple of days. You have joined our fellowship and are on this journey towards your ordination. Others of you have cut your teeth in ministry over the last few years and you are following your calling.

We are truly glad that you are here and we expect that God is going to do something great in all of our lives over the next couple of days.

In the past, our District had many mini gatherings with those working towards ordination. Part of their goal was to build relationship. I don’t think that relationship should be underestimated. Relationship with God, with our people, with our communities, and with our fellow ministry colleagues is imperative. We need relationship.

Ecclesiastes 4:8–12 NIV

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

As one member of our District, I believe that I speak for many others that we want to deepen our relationship with you and we hope that these next two days will just be a spring board to many lifelong relationships.

There are so many resources, conferences, mentors, and of course the Holy Spirit to help us to hone our skills to become the people that God wants us to be and to help us develop our abilities for the work of God’s kingdom.

Over the next couple of days, we will look at many different aspects of ministry.

Paul Israelson will tell us Why we are better together.

Matt Erickson will talk about the importance of being healthy in all dimensions of life. We often focus on spiritual health but neglect healthy habits in ministry.

Today at lunch, we have a real privilege to sit and hear Marvin Wojda share about his experiences during 42 years in ministry. He invites you to ask any question that you might have about ministry. Looking forward to lunch today.

This afternoon, Kevin Sawatsky will share about transition in ministry - when to push through and when it’s time to leave. That can be an age old question.

James Guskjolen will share about Constitutions, Board & business meetings. How do you run a meeting that people want to come to? He brings a wealth of knowledge having served as a pastor, missionary, and a former District Superintendent.

Our coach Louis Halbgewachs is going to share about coach’s corner. I don’t think that Ron MacLean will be with him today.

To close our day, Jeromey Martini will share about why theology matters to us today.

Tonight, we’re going to have supper and hang out together. Acts 2:42-47

Acts 2:42–47 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Tomorrow morning, we’ll meet here for 9:00am. Kevin Mullin is going to talk about things you weren’t taught in Bible College, or at least at the one he went to in the East. Kevin and I can talk about that later.

Pastor Kevin Sawatsky will share with us about Personal ministry boundaries. Where do you draw the line?

Harry Strauss is going to share about preaching sermons that connect, not just sermons people will listen to.

In the afternoon, Elaine King and Tammy Israelson are going to talk about money, both church and personal finances.

Louis Halbgewachs is going to close our teaching time with charting the course for a vitalized ministry.

Paul I and myself will close our time together with Ordination vows and we will share the Lord’s Supper together with crackers that aren’t rancid.

I hope that you thoroughly enjoy our time together. I’m really looking forward to it. Please don’t be shy as we have left a fair bit of time this year for interaction.

Let’s begin our time together in prayer.