pastor – Salvaged Faith

Prompt: Do you enjoy growing older or do you fight against it?

I am sure my answer will change as I age, but I love growing older. In my professional line of work, I am often mistaken for being younger than I really am.

I remind people of their grandchildren.
I look so cute.
I sound so young.
I’m the young lady in the back of the room.
I can’t possibly be old enough to be a pastor.

So…

I am thirty two years old, but when people ask I say I’m in my mid-thirties.

I not only embrace my grey hairs, but I’m looking forward to when they stop looking like highlights and actually are noticeable to other people.

I’m not afraid of getting older. I’m simply waiting for the time when I don’t have to work quite so hard at being taken seriously.

Some look at youthfulness as an advantage. And, I can’t say that I don’t bring fresh eyes to a situation. But just because I’m under thirty-five doesn’t mean I speak for all of Gen X, Y, Z, Millenials, and whatever we are calling the tweens with vine accounts these days.

I guess what I’m saying is that I think I’ll appreciate the day when age isn’t the first defining characteristic of my identity people notice.

Then, maybe I’ll worry about getting any older.

My first church had one person on staff… myself. So, I painted and cooked and folded bulletins with a very tiny army of volunteers… in between the “pastoral” work.

And I’ve always been a roll-up-the-sleeves kind of person. I stick around to help out. I wash dishes. It is who I am.

In the past week, I’ve helped paint our nursery and moved stuff around. I made copies. I cut out commitment cards. Not because there weren’t people who couldn’t do it, but because I’m hands on. I want to help.

Along the way, I’m discovering that makes me an unusual lead pastor or head of staff. I have blogged about postmodern leadership styles before and I am reminded of Frodo-like leaders… who need a team around them. Lots of skills working toward a common goal. A journey we take together, wearing different hats along the way. Discovering who we are as we go along the road.

As I paint and fold and cut, I allow others to let their gifts shine. I demonstrate my willingness to not only meet them where they are, but join them in their experience. And I’m able to hear their stories as we work alongside each other and build relationships.

Can I add… there is something awfully rewarding about defeating a copy machine and getting the brochures all done. Or listening in as children walk by the new nursery and squeal with excitement.

What a crazy and wonderful job I have.

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