Samuel (Sam) Laswell
My wife Judy and I have been attending Dearborn Christian Fellowship (CRCNA) since September 2011 where we have found a wonderful Christian "family."We enjoy the small groups and other opportunities that are open to us. Judy and I have been married for 46 years, and have two sons (Tom and David). While living in South Haven, MI, we attended Hope Reformed Church (RCA). Plus, I enrolled in Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. in 1991. I was ordained in July 1995 and served in New York State, and Illinois before returning to Michigan when I accepted a call to serve a Presbyterian church here. I retired from full time ministry in October 2006, and have since been available to churches as a Specialized Transitional (Interim) Minister. So far, I have served one church in that capacity -- an English speaking Korean church near here.
Posted in: Memorial Day 2012
Hi,
Great post! I was surprised to learn recently that there are more veterans living in the United States today than there was 10 years ago! About a million more, according to the statistics I just read. As a vet (USAF, 1966-1970; Vietnam Era) whose family has had members serve in our armed forces as far back as the Revolutionary War, I make it my duty to express my appreciation to every soldier and vet I meet. And if I see someone in a store wearing a shirt that even says something like, "I'm a soldier's mother/father," I will go and tell them how much I appreciate their sacrifice -- every day of the year, not just on special days. And on Memorial Day, our flag will be flying and we plan to have a picnic with some vets and their families at our church. Maybe we will see some of you there!
Peace,
Sam L
Posted in: Hi. I Am a Pastor
Hi,
I'm a retired pastor but new to this group. I have read some statistics on the first paragraph above in "Leadership Journal" and in other places. One thing that sticks in my mind is in the book, "Clergy Killers," by G. Lloyd Rediger -- and that is that over 1200 ministers are forced out of the ministry every month, and that there are many more who, while staying in the pulpit, feel like Ryan -- burned out, depressed, etc. While I am retired, I also am trained as a Specialized Transition (Interim) Minister. During my training it has been confirmed to me that Rediger's statistics are true. And I have also learned that there are remedies such as honest prayer, insightful leadership, and effective Transitional Ministry.
Here is a story for Ryan. There once was a man who was called to the foot of God's throne, and once he arrived there, he was bewildered by what God might ask of him. God told him to look out into the distance, and asked the man if he could see the large rock there. To which the man replied, "Why -- yes, I can."
God then said to the man, "Pick up this hammer." And the man did, asking, "What do you want me to do with the hammer?" It was a large hammer -- like a sledge hammer.
"I want you to take the hammer and go hit that rock" God told him.
Well, the man did as he was told, and after a considerable walk, carrying the heavy hammer, he arrived at the rock, and began swinging the hammer against the rock with all his might. This went on for some time, without any visibie effect on the rock.
After wearing out 2 such hammers while striking the rock, the man returned to God to report his lack of progress. "I have literally worn out two hammers like the one you gave to me while trying to smash that rock," the man told God. "My hands once were sore and raw, but now are so caloused that I no longer feel the pain of swinging the hammer. But one thing bothers me. After all this time, I have not been able to even knock one little chip off that rock. I feel like a failure."
Then God said, "I did not tell you to break the rock. I only told you to take the hammer and hit it! I did not ask you to be successful; I asked you to be faithful."
That story has served me well in my short tenure as a minister. Maybe it will be helpful to someone else, too.
Grace to you and peace,
Sam Laswell