This past month has been quite an adventure. The weather here in Northeastern Ohio has been cold for too long. Navigating the winter roads this past year has been a challenge however we came out of it unscathed. Traveling, meeting people, raising support and pastoring has been a unique balancing act of time, energy and attention. Most of all, I was surprised by the struggle in my own heart about leaving the pastorate for the mission field.

Over the past few years, I have preached about finding our identity in Christ and not in our careers or vocations. In our society, it is common to ask ask the question shortly after an introduction, “So, what do you do?” This question implies that our purposes and identities are rooted in our careers. I have sought to practice what I preach and look towards Christ for my identity and purpose. I am a child of God, co-heir with Christ and adopted into God’s family as Christ’s brother. Yet, on a practical level, I have identified myself as a pastor.

Last week, I spent a lot of time packing up my office. All my books, files, mementos, etc. were things I had to sort through and pack away for this transition. What I found as I did this was that I was exhausted by the emotional toll it was taking. I had not realized how much my identity was wrapped up in being a pastor. I felt almost as if I had died and was sorting through the now-deceased “Pastor Pete’s” office. What made it easier for me was the words of encouragement the church, local pastors and community members shared with me on the evening of our Sending Service. I realized that, as I was faithful to Christ, God did use me to impact our church, community and culture in Northeastern Ohio.

This week, I have started a new period in my life as a missionary and not a local pastor. Honestly, I still feel disoriented. I am working on redefining myself, hopefully more rooted in who I am in Christ than in the vocation God has called me to do. Yesterday, I received Communion and listened to a sermon as a parishioner, not a pastor. It was different, good and strange to me after 12 years in the pastorate. I kept reminding myself to receive and not to critique. I have to say that Pastor David at Greenfield Baptist Church in North East PA did a great job of sharing Scripture and stories, and that it made it easier for me.

Over this next month, please pray for us. I need prayer as I continue to adjust to this new role. We as a family need prayer as my wife and children deal with Dad being home more. We need prayer as we continue to travel and raise support. Also, pray that God moves and guides us as we make decisions on where we are going to live until we move overseas.

Praise God with us that the transition is going well, that our house in Madison, Ohio, has sold after only three days on the market, that we are visiting and meeting some really awesome people that love the Lord and that God keeps guiding and directing us as we serve Him!

God Bless,
Pete
Child of God serving as an Appointed Missionary