1 December 2013
So, now it begins officially. I have publicly announced to my Baptist congregation that I will be leaving not only the pastorate. But, I will go forward and convert to Orthodox Christianity. As expected, some in the congregation took this hard. I felt bad as well as I am leaving behind a denomination that has nurtured me from birth. I have served at a very loving church for 16 years when most pastors barely make 6 years in their first pastoral assignments. Though, I made it through the sermon without shedding a tear, some were not as fortunate. Yet, there were others who gave me words of encouragement and wished me well. I am not sure if putting one’s resignation letter in the sermon is a normal practice. But, the way I did this seemed to soothe out the possibility of any major blow up. I have been to a church meeting where a pastor announced his departure. It was not pretty. This has not been my happiest day. To add to my sorrow, I came home to find that Liverpool had an absolutely horrible loss to Hull City in the EPL and the local PBS station replaced my beloved Globetrekker with some fundraising Christmas special.
Yeah, in order to reach the place where God has for us, we all must endure some pain. Who knows? I could endure more pain between now and my Chrismation. Yet, I know I have the support of my devoted wife. She does not want to convert yet. But, she hasn’t attended Trinity either. My mom called me twice this morning and later in the evening. And I received support from my Baptist and Orthodox friends on Facebook. I do believe I am headed in the right direction. The first step is just painful. I intended to publish some other articles about doctrinal differences that led me to see that the Baptist Church should use Orthodox history and spirituality to reform its self. But, I will keep silent on the topic for a while.
Tomorrow, we have a hunt at the park. I will use the down time to fill out a job application and also to register for a local clinic (I should have been to see a doctor to follow up for my diabetic diagnosis). I have already read a few books on the faith including the catechism book, “The Way” by Clark Carlton. I will probably borrow a better copy of “On The Incarnation” by Athanasius and “On the Holy Spirit” by Basil from my new church home on Friday. I feel weird this evening. I may take my butt to bed.
Ah, a favorite song. “When the World Is Running Down” by the Police. When the world is running down, you make the best of what’s still around.