I’m doing a series of entries on my sabbatical goals. The second of the four sabbatical goals is REFLECTION.
REFLECTIVE PROCESS
My reflective process involves three primary activities: Bible reading & prayer, journaling, verbally sharing with others. After serving in the same local church family for a decade, I hope I have learned a few things. But I’m sure I could have learned more. So I decided to spend more time doing each of these activities during this sabbatical.
SCRIPTURE READING & PRAYER
I had days when my main goal for a morning or the whole day was to read, meditate, and pray through Scripture. I wanted to make the most of this opportunity to spend extended time in the Bible. I went back to some of the Bible passages which proved pivotal in my development. I worked through three sections of Scripture during my sabbatical.
I began with the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. My first in-depth of the Sermon on the Mount was during my first and second year at UCLA when I discerned what I believe to be God’s call on me to pursue pastoral ministry. The Sermon on the Mount forged my notions of Christ’s Kingdom and calling during this time.
I also worked through the pastoral epistles, especially 1 & 2 Timothy. During my last two years of college, these texts shaped my foundation for pastoral identity. I wanted to be the kind of pastor that Paul wanted Timothy to become.
Finally, I studied the OT book of Nehemiah. I wanted to return to a text in which God used someone who availed himself to whatever God had planned. And God, in His kindness, chose to use a regular man to participate in His plans. I also read Nehemiah in advance of my church going through it for a church-wide sermon series.
Each of these passages influenced my core notions about life and ministry. I’m thankful I could spend more time delving into them. I’m hopeful that the Holy Spirit will help me appropriate these teachings more into my life.
I’ll continue next time with part two on the final two reflective activities: journaling and verbally sharing.
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