The classroom is a great place for learning.
And for sure, there is lots to discover from the pages of books and the mouths of professors.
However, the setting of the local church has been Alex’s place of education lately. He’s been working as a pastoral intern with Darcy Dueck (Citizens Church, Elmira, ON) and learning all sorts of things about church, God, and himself.
Every church has a slightly different culture and context that takes time to understand. Although Alex has been in other church settings, he’s intentionally understanding and appreciating congregational life at Citizens. It’s been a good reminder how God is active in different ways in different places. And he’s seen God at work at Citizens – especially as they navigate their move to a new church building. He’s on the preaching rotation and oversees Sunday morning happenings. Being able to work alongside other people who are also passionate about Jesus has been a gift. Observing Darcy at work as a pastor has been formational – learning up close from someone who is rooted and grounded in Christ, committed to the vision of the church, and paying attention to what God is calling them to be as the people of God.
The patience of God and subsequently, the patience that God is nurturing in himself, has been a prominent theme. God often does the best work while we wait. Sometimes the ground lies fallow or we don’t always see what is happening, but Alex trusts that God desires and is acting to form him – and all of us – in the image of Jesus.
As a student, there’s a degree of uncertainty about what’s next. Learning in the classroom is great; but learning alongside a pastor and a congregation has strengthened Alex’s faith muscles, as he continues to practice trusting God, discerning, and allowing God to lead the way.