Kansition Period...GUEST BLOGGER - Caleb

When I recently asked a friend if he had any advice about surviving a transitional period he said, "try to be present where you are, don't get stuck in the past or future." Well...that's hard.

Greetings Kinast connected folks! I've landed back in Kansas for a while, and I find myself struggling to stay present. After years and years of schooling, at the end of August I finally finished my seminary education! My final year was spent in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the intern-pastor (vicar) at an inner-city church. It was a wonderful experience, full of warm and friendly people despite the chilly weather. It has been quite a ride so far, and I'm excited for what is coming up next.

Its difficult to stay present in Kansas right now because I found out at the end of September that I had been assigned to the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. That area is roughly analogous to a "district" in the LCMS. This one consists of Los Angeles and surrounding cities. It was my top choice of places to go, so I'm pumped. The area is known for its emphasis on cultural diversity, for its high degree of involvement with local communities, and of course, beautiful Southern California weather!

The process is lengthy and somewhat confusing, even for me. The goal is to help first-call candidates such as myself land in places that will allow them to use their gifts and passions for ministry. One of the main ways this differs from the LCMS process is that I won't be handed an envelope and told what church I will be going to. For us, this matching process gives the congregation most of the responsibility. The SoCal Synod Bishop (like a district president in many ways) is responsible for getting me interviews at churches he thinks will be good matches.

So far, I have not heard if they have any potential openings for me or not. But I should be hearing from them soon. If there are no openings...then...well, this time of "Kansition" may stretch out a while. But if there is a possible vacancy I might fill, then they will submit my name and paperwork to the church, who will then interview me in the same way they would any candidate. If the interviews go well and the congregational votes go well. Then they will call me, and I will schedule an ordination ceremony and an installation date.

Viola! Pastor Caleb.

But, just like the rest of the job-market, job openings are increasingly rare. So I'm trying to not get ahead of myself because there are any number of ways this could all play out. I'm TRYING to be present, here, in Kansas.

One of the things helping me do just that is the opportunity to work with Laurie and the rest of the Education Department at the Cosmosphere from time to time. It has truly been a blessing to have more time to spend there, helping kids learn about science, learning a thing or two myself, and getting to launch a trash can into the air!

I've also been fortunate to spend time with family and friends here that I haven't seen in a while. Including ya'll! Even though I'm gearing up for another cross-country move, Kansas is again starting to feel like home. Ballpark guess is that I could be here through the Holiday season if not longer. Which I'm slowly discovering...and y'know what? That's just fine. My "launch" will happen soon enough.