Steps

It's happening.  A stirring that began about a year ago is starting to have some definable steps.  And I'm finally at a place where I feel I can begin writing about it in public places.

I'm moving towards planting a new campus of Community Christian Church.

Last spring my heart started growing restless.  It was a feeling I'm somewhat familiar with.  Last time I experienced it I was heading into my 6th year as the Associate Campus Minister at Eastern Illinois University.  Then and now, I knew it was God challenging me to a next step.  Maybe I'm just someone that has a 6 year work itch.  I don't know.  But I do know myself well enough to know I need new challenges.  I need to be moving forward.

This journey started with some honest reflection.  What was I most passionate about?  What was I most gifted to do?  I read Marcus Buckingham's Go Put Your Strengths to Work to wrestle through these questions.  And I came out with 3 things I think are my "strengths":

• Helping people take "next steps" in their journey as Christ-followers.
• Leading a team to build something from nothing.  This involves dreaming and casting vision, defining a strategy, and mobilizing people to accomplish goals.
• Opportunities to influence through upfront communication.  Whether that is teaching a crowd or speaking to a group of leaders, I believe God has called me to have a visible voice.

Early on in the process my friend Tim (who also happens to be one of my bosses and my Campus Pastor) said, "You should become a Campus Pastor."  I shrugged that off at first.  I'm not exactly sure why.  Maybe it was because I haven't had a model of a female in this role.  I think it was partly because I do have some fear over the crisis counseling side of being a pastor.  But then this past summer I had an experience that snapped a future into view (more on that in a future post).  And I do believe God is leading me to this new vision.

So this past weekend Tim announced to our leaders at the Yellow Box that I am becoming his Campus Pastor Apprentice.  I will be in this role for at least a year as the steps beyond are explored and defined.  I'm really excited about it.  I can't wait to learn new things and hopefully add something to the leadership of the Yellow Box.

And I can't wait to share more with you about the journey as more of the steps become visible...

Comments

[dawn bodi]

Tammy, I can't tell you how excited I was to read this post. You certainly are called and gifted and I applaud your courage in stepping forward. You know I will be a prayer warrior in your corner! Looking forward to hearing your progress.

Dawn

[Liz]

How cool! It will be great to hear about how God is guiding your steps in this direction.

[Debbie]

Congratulation! I hope the year brings all that you envision and more in helping you reach your goals!

[Cathy Cuny]

You will be amazing and it's going to be fun walking along some of that with you. I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your new dreams and I know I will grow and learn from you and your adventures! Thanks for being such a wonderful mentor and friend to me!

[Tammy Melchien]

Thanks for your kind words and encouragment!

[Heidi]

I am incredibly excited for this part of your journey! I love how you reflect and take notice of what God stirs within you! Amazing how He speaks. Thankful for the timing...I mean, how awesome is it that you will now have something major to "work on" after your knee surgery!?! ; ) Congratulations and I will be praying for these next steps and how God will work in your life and the lives of those around you!

[Theresa]

Tammy,
This is great! I can totally see you in that position and I can say "I served with her when...". Best of luck and I will pray for you from afar!