Back to Work

I signed back into work on Friday. Tomorrow will be my first day really back to full spead after Mom and Dad were here this week.  (There are a few more pictures from their visit in the photo albums page now).  This morning, we went to International Baptist Church.  Em & I had been saying we would visit there since we arrived in Belgium.  I just find it hard not to go to chapel if we're in the area since I am part of the preaching schedule there.  It felt great to be back in a local church.  Pastor Al had a great sermon on Nehemiah's preparation for the ministry God had laid before him.  (Prayer and planning if you're wondering).  I still miss many things about pastoring a church.  One of my frequent frustrations with the army chaplaincy is the feeling of competition that most chaplains have with the local church.  Theologically, this horrifies me.  Even on a practical level, it seems like a level of egotism and insecurity that has no real place in Christian ministry.  Part of it goes back to the fear many chaplains I meet seem to have of representing their denomination.  Another large part of it is that many chaplains I meet have had horrible experiences serving in local churches.  Their hurt and anger becomes detrimental to the Church because they no longer see it as the Bride of Christ.  Those feelings are common among many people, but are especially damaging when clergy oppose the church.

Anyway, my parents are trying to get to bed.  They're leaving early in the morning (Emily is taking them to the airport).