by Tami Good, Souderton
I have always had a sense of what it means to be called into service. My parents and grandparents modeled for me the importance of living out our faith through seeking God’s purpose for our lives. As my grandfather always said, “You don’t come to church to warm the benches.” Through his example and others I came to understand that walking with Christ is lived out daily as one shares her gifts with those around her. We are all ministers of the gospel as we build relationships and reach out as Christ’s hands and feet.
About three years ago God gave me the word “prepare.” At first I did not understand what that meant, but as my husband and I began to pray about it, I realized that part of my “preparing” would involve going back to school. Through my studies at Biblical Seminary and the counseling and affirmation of others, I felt led to step out of the educational field and pursue a call in ministry.
As I grew into the idea, it was my daughter who compelled me to move forward in my calling. Looking at her, I realized I wanted her to grow up knowing that God could ask her to do anything. I firmly believe God calls both women and men into pastoral roles. It is important to hear the many voices God has placed within our churches and conference settings. Our young adults need to know that they can be used in whatever situation God calls them, regardless of their gender or ethnicity. Including all our brothers and sisters in leadership roles allows all of us to fully use the gifts God has placed in each of our lives.