Jarrod's Big Announcement

As Jarrod was telling people about his plans for ordination, he thought it would be very funny to say that we had a big announcement. While his plans for ministry definitely include us, I told him that saying we have an announcement makes people immediately think we're pregnant. That was exactly his point. Very funny...

We're very excited to announce that Jarrod has begun the process to become an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. He wrote about it on his blog here.

Jarrod, Wesley, and I at church.

In the short term what this means is that Jarrod will have meetings, discern, pray, and meet some more. His current position is music and he will be moving towards more of the preaching side of things.

Even more long term, Jarrod will begin seminary...again. He already has a seminary degree but will be going back to get another degree necessary for ordination. As he's in school, he will also be working as a pastor and completing the necessary steps for ordination.

God willing, in a few years (probably 5+!) he will be ordained as a full elder in the United Methodist Church. Yes, we are thorough. Yes, it's a long time. Yes, I understand that one does not need to do all of this in order to serve people, love God, and share grace. However, in the UMC these are the necessary steps in order to have the honor of consecrating the elements (bread and juice) for communion, baptizing babies, and marrying people. It's a big deal.

I'm glossing over a lot of the minutiae. Trust me that there are lots of details and things that need to happen. There's appointments, mentors, DOM, BOM, voting, discerning, praying, interviews, papers, and more papers. But that's the boring stuff. What does this mean for us as a family?

• We're getting out of debt not to buy a house, but to send Jarrod back to school and prepare for the changes the next few years will bring. 
• We will be moving at some point and will continue to move at the request of the Bishop and Cabinet (big bosses of the UMC) as part of the intinerant system.
• Jarrod and I will be "working together" as my job is to serve the pastors and ministers of the United Methodist Church.
• Jarrod's schedule will change a lot over the next few years, but will hopefully remain as flexible as it is today.

What is a big change on one hand, is a very tiny change on the other. Because this is a long process, I have lots of time to get used to the idea. I am more than confident that Jarrod is following God's call on his life and this is not a decision we have entered into lightly. The changes that this will make in our family are great, but not following God's call simply isn't an option for us. 

Last weekend Jarrod preached a sermon at all three of the worship services at our church. I knew he would be awesome. I knew he was putting a lot of energy and effort into it. I knew he would say what he needed to say. What surprised me what how comfortable he was. He rocked a bow tie and vest, looked fantastic, and was definitely in his element. He was confident, clear, and presented a really incredible message. He was doing what he's created to do. Preaching, praying with people, sharing hospitality, and being a leader are his natural gifts. He's great at music too, and I'm sure that will play a role in his vocation as well.

I like to keep it real around here and while little of this will affect the content of this blog, I wanted you to be aware of what was going on in my family. The Johnstons are doing things and are excited/scared/nervous/anxious/excited again about what God's doing in our lives!