Michael set out to be a geologist.
Geological mapping, in fact, was his speciality and he travelled through Ontario and worked with companies around the world doing this.
This likely would have been a financially and professionally successful career path.
Then a little bump in the road.
A two-year ministry degree designed for professionals was the first hint that there may be another path.
After Michael completed the first year of the ministry degree, a church was looking for some summer help.
Would Michael be available?
He said yes.
Someone lent him and his new wife an apartment for the summer months.
Someone else owned an used car dealership and supplied him with a steady stream of used cars for the summer.
God seemed to be working things out.
Then after those months of summer ministry, people affirmed Michael’s spiritual gifts and leadership skills.
He seemed to sense God’s presence and his wife said she could picture herself as a pastor’s wife.
The congregation said that he could speak God’s truth in a way they could understand.
And now … 35 years later.
Michael just retired from pastoral ministry.
It’s time for a change of pace and for someone new to take over.
As Michael looks back over his years of ministry, there’s no regrets.
God knew that this geologist would be a good pastor.
Orillia Community Church (Orillia, Ontario)