Journeying to Dallas (pt.1)

This trip to Dallas is mostly for the purpose of meeting with the P&Q Committee for Deacons of the North Texas Board of Ordained Ministry. Last December I submitted almost 30 pages of written material, answering all sorts of theological questions, for this committee to review. Yesterday, all my words came back to haunt me as I faced an oral examination. For one hour I talked with the committee, answered their questions and shared with them my understanding of my call. It was difficult at times, but with every answer I received smiles and nods, affirming me and the answer I was giving. I did not feel defensive in this meeting as I did in the last (which was in August 2004 at the district level). They already knew the answers they wanted to hear and just needed to hear me say it. I did not have to prove to them the appropriateness of ordaining me a deacon to serve as a theological librarian, as I did for my district. They approved me and gave me their full support and congratulations and I am very relieved to have that over and done with. I'll be returning to Dallas in June for Annual Conference, where I will be officially commissioned and appointed to serve at Pitts, with my local church affiliation at Druid Hills.