The Return

Living in Beaverton, for me, was like trying to be a vegetarian. There were some good things about it, but by and large I always felt like something was missing. There was a constant feeling of dissatisfaction and a hunger that lingered. The return to Portland feels like biting into a perfectly cooked, medium rare, hanger steak. So delicious, so right. It feels like Steve and I have finally come home. So, what's for dinner tonight? I dunno, but I'm sure it had parents.

More than just being happy about where I live is a peace and confidence that God has placed Steve and me here; He worked miracle after miracle to get us out of our lease in Beaverton and into a fantastic apartment in SE Portland. The way He directly answered prayers regarding the move began to feel almost erie. O how He cares for me, even when I am most undeserving.

I feel this new chapter in my life will challenge my heart and peer through my motives more than any other ministry opportunity I've experienced thus far. I must decide whether I love to serve God because my paycheck obligates me to do so, or simply for the joy of serving Him. I hope it is the latter.

City Buzz

I needed to finish some sermon prep yesterday morning, so Lyndsey and I headed down to the Stumptown that resides in the lobby of the Ace Hotel on Stark and 10th. Amidst the sermon writing and the latte sipping I found myself swimming in the buzz of the city as it spilled off the sidewalks into the cozy (read: cramped) café.

I find myself oscillating between outright excitement and timid apprehension as I think about how to make a compelling case for the gospel to my fellow northwestern urbanites. Of course, on the heels of these thoughts comes the reminder that God's Spirit is the One doing the work, and often has been at work long before I ever show up. June is just around the corner, and I guess I hoped that I would be a slightly different person by now--a person more like Jesus. As I was finishing up my sermon for tomorrow I realized that I am much like the young lawyer who asked Jesus, "and who exactly is my neighbor?", I'm mostly just wanting to justify myself. Here's to letting Jesus remind me that I'm needy beyond reason and loved beyond belief.

Great [un]Expectations

Well, Lyndsey and I have been circling around a Portland-based ministry for a few years now. As usual, we were watching the clock as God came in, trying to be nice about how late He was. As usual, He gently turned the clock right-side up and showed us just how perfectly on time He always is.

We're going to be working with Intown Church where I'll be a pastoral intern for 18 months or so while I work on ordination. The hope/goal is that once ordained, we'll continue to work with Intown for a few years before being sent out to plant a church elsewhere in the city. We are THRILLED to be working with such an amazing group of people, and baffled at how much God does behind the scenes. My internship begins June 1, just a month after graduating from seminary (cough: perfect timing).

For the 18 month internship we'll be raising support to cover a portion of our ministry costs. If you would like to donate, you may do so securely online here, or you may mail funds to Intown Church PO Box 6505 Portland, OR 97228. An electronic version of our support letter can be viewed here.

We're hoping this blog will serve to keep all of our friends and supporters in the loop as we continue on in the amazing journey of urbangospellife.

-Steve