It’s no secret that a few months ago I officially left the Corporate scene to join Rock City Church. Within the first few weeks someone called me “Pastor Aaron” and I honestly got a little dizzy. Meaning no disrespect I immediately replied “you can call me Aaron, I haven’t earned the title of Pastor.” I meant that. Even as I type it, a voice inside is still saying that. You see, I know me. I know some great Pastors. When I think of them and I think of me, I don’t immediately, or easily, put those two words together. I even used an Eminem lyric to name this post for goodness sake.
If I’m really honest, I thought I was just supposed to be the guy that crunches the numbers, evaluates processes, removes complexity and creates systems to move ministry forward. Yet I think the highlight of my week is Sunday morning when the Lennox is jumping with life, excitement and Gods presence. I’ve been told more than once that I’m “in my element” there. I’m not sure what that means, but when you hear something enough you start to believe it. But I still know me. I still know the struggles and the “buts”. But what about that time? But what about that memory? But what about that (fill in the blank several times)? Pastor and Aaron are two words that don’t feel right.
Moses pleaded repeatedly with God. Over and over he said “but’s” too. Yet we know the story. We know how it all ended. We know that God kept pushing him into the next moment.
On Sunday, February 17th, you’ll find me on my knees, in a portable hot tub, outside, fully clothed. I will be baptizing (at the moment) 3 people from Rock City. I will have the absolute blessing of honoring a family I genuinely love by baptizing their two youngest boys. I found out tonight, I will also be baptizing a man that is a father and husband to a family I also cherish. When I think of what will be taking place at that moment, the DVR of my past begins to play on fast forward. I’m reminded that Pastor and Aaron don’t go together. Yet somehow they do. Somehow God has chosen to see past the DVR and call me to something greater.
Sunday February 17th isn’t about me. It’s about the people making a public declaration of an internal faith. Something tells me they won’t be alone in doing that in that hot tub that morning. I’ll be making that public declaration right along with them.
Better bring me some tissues that morning. I’m pretty sure I’m going to need them.
Filed under: Being Me, Executive Director, Faith
