I did it!

Here's how it came down.  A friend called and asked if Zoe and I would join them in a new house church.  We did join them.  After three years attendance, the Holy Spirit began nudging me to discuss this little group sponsoring me to get ordained.  They heartily agreed.  So, I began the process.

The first requirement was paperwork.  Much paperwork.  Forms and recommendations from the little church, recommendations from other key people, forms and essays telling my life history - all had to be completed.  The next requirement, after being tentatively accepted in the process, was to go to Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA for Physchological Exams.  I passed them!  Yes, I did!  However, I know many whacked-out clergy who also passed those exams.  Oh, well.

Finally, after all prerequisites were complete, I was accepted and invited to come to Oceanside, CA for a pre-ordination retreat with two other "ordinands."  Over three days we met with various clergy who instructed, prayed for, and counseled us.  We met with the Bishop who was to actually ordain us.  This retreat was beneficial, but a little intimidating.

The final step was a huge ceremony in Costa Mesa, CA.  You can see the photos on the website: www.allsaintsoutfitters.org.  I was nervous, but the presence of many friends and supporters helped.  Now I was an ordained deacon.  I could officially officiate at our church meetings as the "deacon in charge."  I could also conduct other official acts in the Anglican Church.  Our little church now had legitimacy and a voice of sorts.

The little church now voted to pay me $200 per month.  Woo-hoo.  Now we're talking.  Of course, I was working at the time, so money wasn't a huge issue.  However, the expectations of the little church quickly changed.  My time representing the church and caring for the members gradually increased to 25-30 hours per week.  They, of course, didn't really know how much time I spent, because I didn't tell any of them what I was doing for the others; I kept that personal and confidential.  They did eventually vote to raise my pay to $400 per month.  Then I began to sense that I was to leave my paying (commission) job.  I was obedient to that, told the church, and let them know that Zoe and I were struggling financially on a couple of occasions.  That information was ignored.

After one and one-half years service as a deacon, I was accepted to "full ordination" as an Anglican priest.  This was a big deal to me, since I believe we are all priests in God's Kingdom (see previous post).  But I knew I was following God's direction.

So, back to California (this time, Fullerton) for another pre-ordination retreat.  This time, Zoe got to go too (upon my insistence).  The retreat was nice.  The ordination ceremony was too.   Now I are one (clergy)!  That was last year (photos are also available on the website).  

So how has it been?  Terrible.

More to come later...