I finally graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Four and a half years of study culminated on December 11 when I walked across the stage to receive my Master of Divinity. My parents, aunt, grandmother and one of my brothers was there, as well as almost all of my in-laws. It was a joyous occasion not just because of the graduation, but because of the time spent with family.
Then, Kristen and I took a trip down to S. Florida to spend Christmas with my family. We decided to drive it straight, which in hindsight I think we will do again. While down there we spent some great time with my brothers and my parents and enjoyed a Christmas in shorts and sandals.
The trip included a Heat Game for the four of the Groves boys, with seats 9 rows from the floor. It was a great time, made even better by the victory by the Heat over the Jazz. Matthew was excited about our seats...
This picture is what happens when you leave a camera with me and Matthew...
We also went bowling. Here's an excellent picture of us brothers again. Kristen and my parents rounded out the group, and a great time was had by all. I also got 3 strikes in the last frame for the second time in my life.
But the capstone of this last month was my ordination at First Baptist Church, Ft. Lauderdale on December 27, 2009. I have been working through the process for several months now, collecting letters of recommendation and completing a very extensive theological questionnaire, as well as communicating via email with one of the pastors.
Sunday morning, the pastor called both Kristen and I up and spent some time reading portions of some of the letters that leaders in my life had written about me. He attested to my fitness for ordination, and then Kristen sat and I knelt while pastors, deacons and leaders surrounded us and, after anointing both of us with oil, ordained me for Christian ministry. It was an incredibly moving experience, and a reminder of the call that God has put on both our lives. The whole experience was such a blessing for me, being back in the church I grew up in, the church where I first began to feel a call to ministry, in the midst of so many who had taught and led me as I grew up.
So much has happened in the last month, and yet there is so much to come. God has been and continues to be so very faithful, and we're excited as we wait for the Lord to lead us to the church where we will serve. Keep us in your prayers and stay tuned for the exciting things that the Lord will be bringing us in 2010!
1 comment:
You're ordained!!!! That is what I took away from this whole post. Congratulations - I could about cry in excitement for you. Way to go, Rev. Groves.
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