My first pastoral appointment did not begin with a display of flawless theological leadership, but with a series of clumsy, humbling mistakes. Yet, looking back, that first appointment was one of the greatest blessings of my life. I did not mold that congregation; rather, they graciously molded me into a shepherd.

Fresh out of seminary, it is easy to assume that a pastor holds all the answers. However, the reality of ministry quickly corrects that assumption. Take me for example: I once left the congregation standing indefinitely after the opening hymns and watched as a sea of patient faces stared back at me, waiting for the simple words, “You may be seated.” I stumbled through liturgical transitions and forgot to call for the offering a time or two. And yet, instead of frustration or judgment, I was met with gentle smiles, quiet reminders from the front pew, and warm hugs after the postludes.

Longstown UM Church, located in York, PA, modeled the ultimate definition of grace. They taught me that pastoring is not about performing a flawless Sunday script. It is about building a relationship rooted in mutual love and patience. In my weakness, that precious little country church chose to embody Ephesians 4:2, Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Their grace became the classroom where I learned how to care for God's people.

As we remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit this coming Pentecost Sunday, I am reminded that those early years of my beautifully messy process of pastoral leadership development mirror the very first days of the early church. During Pentecost, the Holy Spirit did not descend upon seasoned, perfect religious professionals. The Spirit fell upon a group of frightened disciples who were still hiding in locked rooms and wrestling with doubt.

Pentecost reminds us that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. The same Spirit that gave those early, imperfect disciples the words to speak in ancient Jerusalem is the very same Spirit that sustained me when I forgot the order of worship and misplaced my sermon notes. The congregation lived out Pentecost by allowing the Holy Spirit to work through my obvious human limitations.

Jesus left us with the Great Commission: to go out and make disciples of all nations. However, we often forget that the disciples had to learn how to disciple others through trial, error, and immense grace.

The first congregation I served understood that empowering a new pastor is an active fulfillment of the Great Commission. By mentoring me, protecting my joy, and laughing with me through my liturgical hiccups, they were actively investing in the wider Kingdom. They didn't just receive ministry; they ministered to the minister. I wouldn’t be who I am today without their investment and affirmation of my call to ministry.

To every believer who has ever patiently endured a rookie pastor’s growing pains, thank you. Your grace creates the safe space required for spiritual gifts to mature. Because a small flock chose to invest in me and be gentle with my mistakes, I learned that authentic pastoral leadership is not found in a title or a flawless service order. It is found in a heart, broken open by the grace of God, reflected through the eyes of a loving congregation.

To those of you reading this today—my current church family—I want to say a profound thank you. The same grace, patience, and love that carried me through my first pastoral appointment many years ago is the very lifeblood I feel within Christ Church every single week. Thank you for pardoning my imperfections when I still stumble over words or logistics. Thank you for encouraging our vision as we seek to live out the Great Commission together. You are truly a living testimony of Pentecost!

You are not just a congregation I serve; you are the people who continue to teach me how to be a better pastor every day. It remains my greatest joy and privilege to shepherd alongside you.

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. — Acts 1:8

With deep gratitude and Pentecost joy,
Pastor Jen