Ordination - Just Around the Corner

I began this blog to track my path through accepting my call from God through the ordination process in a specific denomination.  If you have read through my postings you will see that this process has changed considerably since I began it.  Little did I know, at that time, that my understanding of what God wanted me to do would change so drastically in such a short time.  Had I followed man's process I would be finishing up my internship with a church somewhere and now be returning to seminary for one final year of education.  Then I would get to play the 'waiting game' that so many that I know get to play.  Waiting for their organization to find them a job.  This, of course, is not the path I am on.

God called, I listened, and then let him show me the path.  A path that has plopped me down in Greenville, SC where I have been blessed to be a pastor for the congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Easley for 2 1/2 years.  Together we have grown and developed from the original group of about 28 people to a group of about 60.  No, we don't worship 60 every Sunday but that's not the point.  The point is that God called and I listened and they called and I listened.

From the beginning of this relationship the congregation wanted to make sure that I continued my education and that was part of the call.  I did that through attendance at ILT (Institute of Lutheran Theology) where I have just recently completed my Pastoral Ministry Certification.  This is a confirmation of the basics of ministry for those who lead congregations that can't afford a full time pastor, and especially one who has an amount of debt out of seminary.  I will now continue my education through ILT working towards a masters degree.  This, of course, will take me several more years.

All in all, since I have completed what Emmanuel feels is a milestone, they have voted as a congregation to extend my call as a continuous call and have also voted in a resolution to ordain their pastor.  I am truly honored that they feel this way about the man who has led them almost from the beginning.  I am truly blessed to have a group of people who are willing to think outside the box and created a congregation, called a pastor and together we are blessed to have recently purchased a place to call home (debt free may I add).

To all of them, I say thank you.  To any of you who have read any of my words whether or not you liked what I had to say, I say thank you. 

To all who are interested in such things;

I invite you to the ordination of Gregory Lee Longtin
August 25, 2012 @ 2:00 pm
Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Easely
101 East First Ave
Easley, SC 29640