St. Patrick Presbyterian Church, Epc

Last week, a new barista at Starbucks asked me what I do, and before I could think, I heard myself say, “I’ve been set apart as a conspirator for human thriving.” This is why I typically preach from a manuscript: I never know what’s about to come out of my mouth. It’s true, though - I really do think of my vocation like that. Words like “pastor” and “preacher” seem to obscure rather than illuminate what it is I actually do. At this time in history, there are too many connotations and so much baggage to go along with words like that, and none of it matches. I might as well say I’m an ecclesial engineer for all the clarity it would provide.This weekend, after a year of preparation and written examinations, I will stand before an assembly of Evangelical Presbyterian elders at one of our Central South Presbytery’s seasonal meetings. There, they will publicly examine me on my knowledge and views according to Scripture and the Reformed tradition.  If they are satisfied (Lord, let them be satisfied!), then they will