Our Kids Are Now Calling Him "The Rev"

So I did something yesterday I've never done before.  I sat in on my husband's ordination council.  

Some back information in case you are new to this, Scott has been licensed to preach for more than twenty years now, which is the initial step of a church recognizing the calling and gifts for ministry. 

Ordination, on the other hand, is more formal where the church is putting its "stamp of approval" on him.  It says that he's been examined and has given evidence of doctrine, calling and gifts that are suitable for ministry.  It's saying that a man is not a novice, but has been tested in ministry and found faithful.

In preparation, Scott wrote a paper on all his doctrinal beliefs supporting each from the Scriptures.  Then a council of peers, already ordained, convenes for a period of questioning the candidate.  They can ask him any question about pretty much anything pertaining to his call to ministry, his doctrinal beliefs, you name it.

That was yesterday.  Since wives are welcome to attend, Scott asked me to come.  For some reason, I believed George Miller, our former pastor and the moderator for the council when he said it would be fun. 

Not so much.  He also said it would take no longer than three hours and then the men would meet afterwards to discuss and vote on the outcome.  He was right on the money on that one.  Three very long hours.

About 16 men gathered.  I sat in the back as quiet as a church mouse.  It didn't take long for me to want to get out as quickly as possible.  As the questions kept coming and Scott was on the hot seat, I felt like throwing up.

It reminded me of the time I had a few hours to kill so I camped out in the high school gymnasium while Drew's varsity basketball practice was going on.  Big mistake.  To this day the coach laughs his sinister (and funny) laugh about what I observed that day and never did again.

It wasn't that the men were particularly hard on him, no it was something else.  The Apostle Paul's instructions to young Timothy were coming alive before my eyes. 

• "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

• In regards to sound teaching, "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." 2 Timothy 1:14

• And from Peter, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15

I was completely struck with the gravity of the importance of this process and the heavy weight of the mantle my husband was picking up - being approved to preach the Gospel.

The time seemed to go so slowly and to be honest I couldn't wait for it to be over.  It's not that Scott wasn't doing a great job answering the questions, he was.  I was so proud of him and how firm his beliefs are.  He must be the most humble man I know.

I even cried a few times like when Scott testified to how much our time at North Syracuse Baptist Church (17 years) means to both of us.  Then again when he was asked what is the area he feels the enemy is trying to discourage him the most in right now.

Just what a group of men were hoping for, a weepy wife in the back of the room. 

Eventually, they dismissed us so they could have their meeting.  We walked out and I started breathing again.  Because of the nature of many of the questions, it was hard to discern how he did.

Before too long, they sent a happy looking representative to collect us.  I opted out of going back in.  I didn't think I had it in me.  Minutes later, the same smiley face came out and said they wanted me back too.  Really?  I resisted whining.

They had me sit in the chairs up front with Scott.  Thankfully they didn't make us wait too long to tell us that by unanimous decision, Scott will be ordained Sunday night.  Talk about "WHEW"!  Unanimous is my new favorite word.  Looking around the room at these men we appreciate so much and seeing their huge smiles in congratulations changed my perception of the day's events.

I was relieved and didn't expect what came next.  The men gathered around Scott and me to pray for us.  The designated pray-er was one of my favorite people in the room.  Have I ever mentioned the power of words?  I may never forget some of the ones that stood out in that prayer.  On behalf of all of them he affirmed our gifts and call to ministry and he declared their full support of God's work in our lives right now.  Full support.  Right now. 

Guess what happened next?  Waterworks.  Again.  And I had no tissues, nothing.  Just a bunch of noisy bracelets clanging as I tried to discreetly sop up my face with my hand.  Skin on skin really doesn't work.

Sometimes it ain't easy being a girl in a man's world.  But I'm glad I was today.

I didn't go in expecting to be blessed by God, but that's how I walked out.  Nothing quite like seeing a group of respected, godly men clapping your beloved husband on the back and giving him man hugs.

So what's next?  An ordination service.  It will be held at North Syracuse Baptist Church this coming Sunday night (June 22nd) at 6pm with a reception to follow.  Some of the men from the council will speak and our daughter Ally is going to sing.

If you're in the area, I'd like to invite you to come.  God may just bless you too.  I can't promise there won't be crying because some people clearly can't control themselves, but I am fairly certain no one will have the urge to throw up.