It's a Good Thing
Sometimes when people ask you “Why” you have done this or that there is no clear explanation. My husband would say it is because I have a hard time saying no when asked to do something for the Church. In the middle of the busyness I think I’m just crazy. But when asked to ponder the “Why” of working as a lay person in the church I will say, it’s a God thing. No real deep thought, just a walking through of open doors, which God himself has said. “Go through this one.” Granted there have been a few that I have peeked into and said “You have got to be kidding,” but after the nudging of the Holy Spirit, I am glad I took the step.
I began ministry with youth 28 years ago, ( I am only 30 so I started very young). I remember because I was six months pregnant with my fourth child and agreed to be a chaperone on a youth camping trip. This is the crazy part confirmed. I loved the kids, the fun, their honesty; I was hooked. From there it led into becoming involved with an equally crazy pastor, Rev. Paul Atkinson who shared with me ministering to youth and how the district worked along with the connection of the greater church. District youth event involvements with Rev. Steve Sparling led to leading as a district coordinator which opened another door of serving as the senior high Coordinator for five years with Rev. Paul White and Rev. Ed Fashbaugh. During this time a pastor asked the question “Are you being called into pulpit ministry?” The question scared me. It took a lot of prayer and several years of asking the question of myself to become secure in the answer. No, God has called me to be a strong lay person in his church. And the place He has put me is in The United Methodist Church.
I remember sitting in Hoover Auditorium at my last (I thought) Youth Annual Conference and praying, "God if this has to go, something has to take its place." Watch what you ask for.
That evening as we walked the pier at Lakeside our District Superintendent Dick Smith approached me with a question. Would I be willing to serve as the district lay leader of the then St. Clairsville District, but I would need to give up my position on CCYM. Sometimes God answers quickly. And as it unfolded the past 10 years, I have also served on the Board of Ordained Ministry and been called back into youth ministry with my church.
This past annual conference, I said goodbye to my term on the Board of Laity and the Board of Ordained Ministry. I know God will be faithful as He calls me to the next thing. The “Why” is still a little unclear most of the time. I look forward to the day of sitting on my patio and drinking coffee and enjoying the sunrise ... but not just yet. There are mission trips to do, and Bible studies to lead, and people to build eternal relationships with and ... you get the picture. The love of our Lord calls us to be who we are. I guess I’m just crazy for God and feel blessed that He allows me to enjoy serving him when He opens the door. Thank God for the calling into the ministry of the laity.
Kathy Crock, lay member, Caldwell UMC, Southern Hills District
