Tuesday, May 25, 2010

“Pastoring Again”

I recently just completed my Chaplain Internship at Wayne Memorial Hospital. 300 hours of clinicals being on the hospital floors visiting patients, families, staff and a 100 hours of class time have better equipped me to minister to people. I will still continue being a volunteer associate chaplain at the hospital. I learned so much during these past 4 months with this experience, but here are a few things that stick out.

-Life can be messy and complicated especially when it comes to people’s pain, suffering and emotions
-My relationship with God has become more authentic and honest
-Even in the midst of heartache, confusion and death, God is still good
-You can never give your wife and child too many hugs and always make sure they feel loved and valued
-Appreciate the experiences before you that are helping to shape and grow you

I was offered two residency positions at hospitals which were very encouraging as my gifts were affirmed. After several weeks of looking at all my options on what to do and sitting in silence before God, I felt a peace about taking a part-time position at a church. I am now the first Campus Pastor at The Bridge Church here in Goldsboro which just started a couple of years ago. I will oversee pastoral care, follow-up, and our leadership and ministry teams. The Bridge Church has several hundred people attending our Thursday and Saturday services. The Bridge is a part of Whitley Church where we have been attending for the last 3 months and has over a 1,000 people attending on Sunday. It is a very exciting church to be a part of and it amazes us at how much our view of Goldsboro has changed after meeting so many incredible people at Whitley and The Bridge. We have felt very welcomed this first month from staff and others and believe that we are a part of something that is on the verge of exploding in growth. Check out our church websites www.bridgechurch.cc and www.whitleychurch.com

4 comments:

Stephen Nelson said...

Hey Jer! Great stuff, dude! I'm proud of you. Keep on learning and sharing with what you learn with those God puts in your path. And keep loving that wife and kid, bro!

adidway said...

So great to hear news from you. It sounds like you have been treading in some deep water with folks that were blessed to have you there with them. The new church sounds wonderful. No doubts in my mind that you and Sabrina will be an asset there as well.

Unknown said...

Jeremy I am so excited you and your fam on board. I don't think the leadership board or pastoral staff could have found a better person. Im excited for you and what you bring to the table.

Unknown said...

Sure miss you in TX, but I'm excited for you to be in God's will. You will be a blessing there! :)