Dear Addie,
I graduated from seminary nearly thirty years ago and am now 56.I served in a variety of ministry roles during my 20s and early 30s, but then I took some time away from ministry to be home with my children. My youngest child is now in high school, and I find myself dreaming about . . . well, about pastoring a church. I love to preach, but honestly, 56 seems a little late to get started as a preacher. I live in an area in which most churches, especially Baptist churches, are not open to women in the pulpit.
Is There Any Hope
Dear I.T. A. H.,
The call upon our lives by God to serve never ever leaves us. The settings of the service change quite often throughout our lives and sometimes never look like the places in our dreams—for which we are grateful many times. With any change of life, whether welcomed or dreaded, as God’s servants we have the opportunity to be transformed by the working of the Spirit of God in our lives. So it is with you right now! I commend you for intentionally gazing onto the changing horizon ahead. Perhaps the most important outlook to cultivate toward the coming years is one of an open heart and a willingness to serve God wherever. And that can be scary and crazy business! Change always seems to rattle and unnerve us.
When the last child heads out the door into adulthood, life will change, and there will be different opportunities for ministry. You have the gift of knowing the change is coming, so spend these next three plus years preparing. As you open your life back up to active ministry in the church, ask yourself these questions: what must you let go of to serve, what must you hold on tight to, and where do you need to grow in Christ.
One is never too old to proclaim the Word. One is never too old to care for the community of faith. So will you be too old to preach and pastor? No. Keep praying and striving first for the reign of God in all things.
Thank you for your willingness to examine your life and for your openness to God’s leadership in the coming change.
Blessing upon you!
Addie
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*The photo of Addie Davis is provided courtesy of Special Collections, Jack Tarver Library, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia.