After all of the newsletters were mailed off, the Sunday School dittoes copied, and the bulletins for the September 11th service were printed/folded, I finally was able to start on my candidacy paperwork.

The paperwork is basically the application and a 4-6 page essay on my call to the ministry. The application is done and the paper lies ahead of me. I might use this journal/blog as a place to post portions of it as I write it. The essay will be the tricky part as I am so conscious of my word choice in matters like this.

These are the questions that must be answered:

-Discuss the events, circumstances and persons in your life that have affected your faith and your sense of call. Describe how others have encouraged you to explore theological study and/or the possibility of a church vocation.

-Describe your family of origin and how it has shaped who you are.

-Describe your current life situation including marriage and family situation, physical, spiritual, and emotional health, financial status and geographical restrictions. Describe your understanding of being open to the needs of the whole church as well as your readiness for ministry preparation.

-Reflect on your personal journey of faith and relationship to the ELCA including your current church involvement.

-Reflect on your current understanding of the particular ministry to which you feel called (pastor, diaconal ministrt, associate in ministry, deaconess) and your assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, gifts, convictions and concerns related to this ministry.

It should be easy to write. (NOT!!!) I’ll probably post excerpts in this journal. PLEASE comment on the excerpts since I’d love to know how they sound.

Thing is… I need to get it done this week and I also have to study for my permit test in the next few days since I want to take the test on Saturday. Please pray that I can get both done.