I was supposed to leave today for a second interview with Old St. Paul’s in downtown Baltimore. Great church, great location, and I think very competent new-ish rector. I’ve been told that very few were called for an initial interview, let alone for a second interview. All set, car rented, shirts ironed, bags ready to be packed, and I got a call from the rector yesterday. It seems the search committee decided that they (and he) had found the perfect fit. I will not be going to Baltimore for a second interview. My first rejection on the long path of attempting to secure a ministry position within the Episcopal Church. (Unlike the Roman church, we have too many priests!)
I must say, however, that I had a great interview yesterday. Honestly, I think I would be better suited for the rector I interviewed with yesterday than with the rector of Old St. Paul’s – not that I suspected there might be a mismatch between him and me. There is so much potential for that church and the surrounding area. I pray that the new person is a great asset and the church is a good place for the new person. I am a bit disappointed that I will not be able to interview with the committee. You just never know, as interviewers (I know from experience), what may come through the door next.
It was coincidental that I just had a rash of thoughts concerning the kind of place and/or ministry I would really love to be involved with. Old St. Paul’s could have met some of what I ideally may want, but possibly not. How can I know right now? I can’t, so let me just speculate all over the place.
In the interview yesterday, the rector asked what my ideal ministry situation might look like. Well, I honestly do want to work with young people – college students and the like. Ron, as he was describing what type of ministry each of us exuded around the lunch table a number of weeks ago, referred to me as the “Evangelist.” At the time, that struck me as so strange, but as I think about it and as I interview I do believe he might be right. “Evangelist” would not look quite the same as it does in the Assemblies of God or Chi Alpha, but evangelist nonetheless. I want to be with the people who are outside the church, allow God to use me to draw them, and then be involved in their discipleship.