Stepping Into Purpose

My road to embracing my calling and ministry.

Hi, I’m Pastor Chris. I write this newsletter. This installment is something I call reflections; where the posts are raw and unfiltered. Grab a cup of coffee and join me by subscribing.

Photo by Will van Wingerden on Unsplash

Can I level with you for a minute?

I’m tired.

Tired of reading articles that describe what’s wrong with the world in painful detail.

Yes, I get it. The world is lost and painfully tragic.

And no, I’m not saying we need to live in isolation because we’re afraid of getting our feelings hurt.

What I am saying is that there must be a better way.

For me, writing is an outlet.

Writing is what I do to make a mark on the world and shine a light into the darkness.

I don’t pretend to be the best. I don’t rag on myself saying that I’m the worst.

It is what it is.

While I can’t speak to your calling, and you have one BTW, I’ve always felt that my calling is to Pastor those on the periphery.

Those outside of cultural norms, the broken, the downtrodden, the skeptics, and those hurt by the church.

Those who have been left behind.

Hear me when I say, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

God has so many wonderful things in store for you, if you allow His spirit to transform you.

Romans 12:2 tells us that God transforms us my changing the way we think.

Those things that you’ve done that leave you broken and wondering if life is worth living are not the problem.

The problem is the way you think.

When God, through the Holy Spirit, rewires our brains to think like Jesus, transformation is just around the corner.

I’ll give you an example.

When I was young, I wanted to be a pastor when I grew up.

I didn’t know this at five-years-old, but I would grow up to be a high-functioning introvert. Some would call me a learned-extrovert - whatever that means.

Personally, I think it was just a way to describe someone who thinks before they speak, and doesn’t need to be the center of attention.

I don’t know where the idea started, but at some point, I thought I needed permission to operate in my calling.

When I was young, our church didn’t have small groups or engage in activities beyond its walls. If you wanted to be a leader in the church, it needed to be with the Pastor’s permission, and even then, with conditions.

It makes sense that as an adult, there was a part of me that held back because I thought I needed someone’s stamp of approval to move forward.

Something the Lord has taught me in the last couple of years is that I don’t need anyone’s permission to operate in my calling.

I never did.

Perhaps you’re in the same place. Knowing that God has given you something to share with the world and when you went to the church, or talked with your friends and family, they weren’t behind you.

Or perhaps you haven’t shared it with anyone for fear you won’t get support.

Even if you have to start small, let me be the first to encourage you to just start.

Know that if God put the desire in you, He’s going to be there for all the ups and downs that come with His calling.

You might be feeling that familiar tug on your heart that’s telling you there’s more to life than what you’ve been settling for. And you know what? That’s not just a passing feeling—it’s a divine invitation.

That desire burning within you, that dream waiting to be unleashed—it’s not random. It’s purposeful. It’s God-given. And guess what? You don’t need anyone’s permission to step into it.

Not your pastor’s, not your friend’s, not even your family.

Take a moment, right now, and listen.

Quiet your mind, open your heart, and listen to the gentle whisper of God’s voice.

What is He calling you to? What dreams has He planted in your soul?

Maybe it’s starting a small group in your community, writing that book you’ve been putting off, or simply reaching out to someone in need.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Pastor Chris, it’s not that simple. What if I fail? What if no one supports me?”

Let me tell you something. Fear is a liar. It will do everything in its power to keep you shackled to your comfort zone, to convince you that you’re not enough.

But you know what? You are enough. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, with unique gifts and talents that the world is waiting to experience.

You need to take that first step. Write that first word, make that first phone call, take that first leap of faith.

And when doubt creeps in (because it will), remember this: you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, guiding you, strengthening you, and cheering you on.

And hey, if you ever need a reminder of that truth, you know where to find me. I’ll be right here, cheering you on, praying for you, and celebrating every victory, big or small.

Because together, we can change the world—one step of faith at a time. So go ahead, friend. Take that step. Your adventure awaits.