A good brother was giving me some input on a couple of different avenues I can take on my plans for ordination. He’s given me a great deal to think about, and for that, I’m very grateful. I don’t know much in the way of how these things work in the denomination(s) in which I now find myself, so I’m always interested in good advice from more seasoned seminarians.

We talked a great deal last night, including the fact that I’m the only person he’s ever met or known to pursue full time vocational ministry who is gay, is not attracted to women by and large, and who sees his calling as being one of life-long chastity (or celibacy, if you prefer). We talked about how I didn’t want to be pigeon-holed in the future because of my struggles against sin, but how I also didn’t want to suppress what God has done in my life when some might benefit from hearing of what the Gospel says I can endure.

He listened…a lot. He will make a great pastor, wherever he serves. He knows his own sinfulness and his own temptations and is insightful enough to recognize not only the differences between him and myself, but the commonalities. We discussed my sense of calling and how I’ve wrestled against the idea of being a pastor for at least ten (if not fifteen) years…and how I can’t see myself doing anything else except preaching the Gospel vocationally.

He spent a lot of time talking to me last night. He’s invited me to his home to have dinner with his wife and kids…I’m definitely not deserving and appreciate him reaching out to me as he has.

I want encourage this brother now who has been encouraging me so much as of late…because I’m not the only one who needs it.