Hello Folks,
     One of my responsibilities is serving on the Pastoral Ministry Team for the State Ministries of Tennessee.  It used to be called the credentials committtee which means I am part of a team that deals with such issues as congregation recognitiion, credentialing of ministers, dealing with the church fights and problems, as well as confronting any problems that arise in the life of a pastor.  Most of the time serving in this capacity has some very good things take place.  It is a joy to see a person come and tell us about their call into ministry, their faith walk, what they believe, and to look at papers sent by those who agree with their calling.  But I also must say that there are times when we are called to deal with certain issues that are just not fun.  When there are hurts that exist in the life of an individual or congregation because of words spoken and actions taken that are viewed as harmful to those around them it is difficul to deal with those things.  Attempting to be grace giving and loving while at the same time confronting wrong is not an easy task.  It would be so much easier to let others handle this but I have been assigned this for my life at this time.  Pray that I would be a man who fulfills his ministry to suit the Savior.
     As I sit here writing this I hear the voices of some of the folks who are part of this congregation and I think about the fact that God has called me here to serve them.  The challenges of pastoring are great but the rewards are amazing.  What a joy it is for me to be allowed to know these individuals who make up this congregation and to celebrate their joys as well as be with them in their sorrows.  One of the most important things for me to remember as a pastor is that these people have given me their love and I am able to give them mine.  Thank God for His grace and His willingness to allow me to be here with them.

Have a great one,

HGRudd