Earlier this summer I wrote and shared about being “Towards Approval.” Well, I can happily report that I have officially been approved by the candidacy committee of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to be an Associate in Ministry. To translate, this means that the larger church that I am a part of has formally approved me for being an official leader in the church.

What does this mean? 

In short, this means that I can now officially be called as an Associate in Ministry to any institution, organization or non-profit related to the church or larger church, as well as to any congregation or church body within the ELCA. Once I receive a formal call, I would be commissioned and “rostered” as a leader in the church.

As Allison and I will be in the Pacific Northwest this year while she serves her pastoral internship, I will be doing some work in the same faith community she will be interning at as well as doing some work for the synod and a few other projects. I may be called and formally commissioned this year for any of these roles, or I may wait for a formal call to be commissioned next year in partnership with Allison receiving a call. I’m not sure yet how the process will play itself out, but I’ll keep you posted.

One thing is very clear, the Holy Spirit is very much at work and I’m excited to continue pondering and discerning in conversation with communities and the church, “What might God be up to?”

To all of you who read, follow and engage with me here on the blog, thank you for being a part of the journey and conversation, and for your prayers, support, partnership and collaboration!