I have many responsibilities at the center. While I am a pastor, leading worship is not one of the things I do.

After years of church life where worship was central often with multiple services each weekend, not having a church to lead can feel weird.  I do get to watch a lot of classmates’ church services. I do enjoy the variety of styles.

Occasionally, I am asked to be a supply pastor at churches. This means I am a substitute pastor for the week. This is different than when I am invited to present on the ministry of the center. I am asked to lead the while worship service.

When I am in a supply role, I tailor my message more closely to the weekly readings. Yes, ministry will come up in my message. It is what I live every day. But I am not there to focus on the center.

I enjoy the opportunity to craft a sermon. To wrestle with God’s word. To try and determine what God wants me to say. To make the message fit the context I am in.

One of the fun things to me is being asked to provide Communion. I have learned that I have to ask to be walked through how each church does Communion.  I used to ask, but I have learned that the normal answer is “the normal way.”

There is no normal way.

I enjoy the opportunity to stop in. A year ago, I subbed at a church for 7 months. Every Wednesday night, worship followed by confirmation class. It was nice to get into a rhythm. Once they called a new pastor, my job was done.

I recently was asked to consider a similar role at another church. We discussed my leading worship twice a month and providing pastoral care on Wednesdays. My “audition” went well, and I expect to finalize an agreement soon.

I am told that people like my positive, upbeat leadership style. I tend to preach on God’s love. I try to provide hope and love in every message.

God loves the people and so do I.