After 26 years in the ministry of higher education, mostly in theological
education, I reached a point where I felt something was missing.
True, I had moved from teaching to administration and fund-raising,
but I had enjoyed the participating in the leadership of the church.
For the last two to three years I had been restive, uneasy with
the direction of my life.
 In
October I attended a conference where there were short worship experiences
several times a day. In each of these scripture was read. I found
myself wondering how I would approach those texts in a sermon. When
I realized what I was doing I recognized a deep longing to preach.
As I reflected further I admitted to myself that I had truly missed
being a pastor. (As the president of a theological seminary one
can be pastoral, but not a pastor.) And I missed teaching, as well
as research and writing.
I told my wife that I was thinking
about congregational ministry. She was delighted. She had been suggesting
this for a couple of years.
There was a pulpit open in a church
in Richmond, Virginia, a church with which I was very familiar.
As I thought about making a change, it seemed to me that this church
would be a good fit. I contacted the Regional Minister and 48 days
later they voted to call me.
All of my work in higher education,
from teaching to administration and fund-raising, is helping me
be more effective in this new ministry. And I am having the time
of my life.
I love to preach. I love being a
pastor. I am honored by the many ways in which people invite you
into their lives at times of highest importance, from the joy of
new life and weddings and baptisms, to sorrow and distress around
illness, even death.
I appreciate the hospitality of a
congregation. They have made my family feel not only welcome, but
loved.
I hope to be worthy of their trust.
Every morning I awaken thinking with anticipation about the day
ahead. Every evening--sometimes late evening!--I return home tired
and very, very happy.
The bottom line for me is this: God
called me first to ministry in general, then to the ministry of
education. Now God has called me to serve in the parish. I am so
grateful that God was patient with me, and kept nudging me, until
I finally saw the direction in which I was to go.
Should I have done this earlier?
Perhaps instead of higher education? I don't think so. I have no
regrets, though I do sometimes wonder why I waited so long to have
so much joy!
Richard L. Harrison, Jr.
Seventh Street Christian Church
Richmond, VA
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