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August 5th.
2009
DISCERNMENT
It always begins with a phone call. After the quick
exchange of “nice-ities” the person usually makes the pitch. This starts
with compliments that, in the flash of a second, quickly segue into an
incredible opportunity that would be perfect for me.
Thus was the case not long ago with the Diocese of Minnesota. A
colleague whom I have youth and camping ministry history with called and
made the “pitch.” I listened intently, thanked her for the affirmation
and confidence in me and I agreed to pray about “this great
possibility.”
Two days later another friend and colleague emailed me walking me
through the same scenario as the previous. This was followed by four
more phone calls and / or emails with folks making the same connections
between my gifts for ministry and what was being looked for in this
ministry opportunity.
As is my practice when faced with this set of circumstances I called on
my “council of advice” for input and perspective. This would be the
Lovely Mrs. Prior, my spiritual director, leadership mentor, bishop and
a couple of life long truth-telling friends.
On their strong recommendation I agreed to enter into an exploratory
process of discerning if my gifts were consistent for what these folks
were looking for. While this is generally a fairly rigorous process of
answering reflective and experiential questions, I have found this
experience to be extremely beneficial to my own spiritual growth.
As well, a significant part of what I have truly appreciated about
entering into these processes is the opportunity it has provided for me
to share about the incredible ministries we have, and are engaged in, at
ECOR. The outcome of which is people being duly impressed with the
mission and ministry of our faith community.
Over the last number of years at the conclusion of each of these
exchanges I have felt a strong affirmation and call to continue to serve
at ECOR. This, as my spiritual director suggests, is a persuasive enough
reason to enter into the conversation in the first place.
I am now in a place in the journey, in the process, that it is important
to share with you. This last Saturday the Diocese of Minnesota put forth
three names to be considered to be their next bishop and I am one of
them.
Is God calling me to be the next Bishop of Minnesota? I don’t know. Is
God calling me to continue to serve at ECOR? I don’t know. What I do
know is that God knows. And through prayer and patience over the next
couple months we all will know.
In the mean time we will continue to be the people God is calling us -
ECOR - to be: gathering to feed our faith so that we can feed the world.
As things progress I will keep you informed. Please do not hesitate to
contact me if you have any questions or thoughts to share with. As
always, our family appreciates your prayers.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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