Monday, May 14, 2007

The Next Chapter


I have recently received an invitation from Park Cities Presbyterian Church to spend the coming year as a pastoral intern on staff at the church! To all who have been praying for us in this I want to say thanks! I start on Wednesday (just two days from now!).

The coming year will be an exciting one as I learn more about what it means to be a pastor in the PCA. The few shorts weeks we have been attending PCPC have already been encouraging with regard to how Leslie and the boys, particularly Ian, have responded. It is refreshing to hear him talk about the things he is learning about God and the Bible through his time in Sunday School. Leslie and I are enjoying Christ-centered worship and the liturgical bent that the PCA observes in their worship of the Triune God.

I'm sure there will be trying times in the coming year, but that is the nature of ministry and life in general. I have, at times, put the PCA on a pedestal that didn't reflect the truth. I know that this denomination has its own struggles, just as any other. However, I am looking forward to being part of a denomination that still regards God and His Word as the focus of our life. I am encouraged at the prospect of joining in ministry with men that I have come to know, love, and appreciate over the past few years.

This coming year is made all the more sweet by the fact that a close friend of mine was also accepted into the program. He has always been one that challenges me in my thinking and encourages me in my faith, so the coming year is that much more full of promise.

3 comments:

GUNNY said...

This is what we like to call, "Good Bull!"

Happy for you, brother(s).

Matthew Bradley said...

Thanks Gunny!

It is with complete sincerity that I say that any hope the Baptist church has is due to men like you. I will continue to pray for reform in the SBC!

M. Jay Bennett said...

Ditto Gun!

And Matt, bro, this is as one wise man once said "good bull." I am excited to be able to minister alongside you. You have contributed to my growth in the faith in more ways than you know. May the Lord Jesus Christ grant his benediction over the coming year.