As I write these words, the numbers of faithful followers of Christ continue to decrease in the land. Along with that reality, parish after parish in our land go without bearers of His words, regardless of denomination.

The change agent within Christendom has always been the proclamation of His word. As the apostle Paul put it in his letter to the Romans: "Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ." And then he adds: "But how are people to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can people preach unless they are sent?" (Rom. 10:14) Those are critical words for our time.

As one who finally answered God's call to do this along with some legitimate fears and trepidations, I am moved to write this reflection on what my journey was like in the hope that it might be an encouragement to others who may be wrestling with that same possibility. In retrospect, it is clear to me that it is really about the play between faith and doubt. If we take ourselves seriously, there will always be a huge amount of doubt. Left to ourselves, the scenario is likely vivid in its inclination to dismiss the whole thing! The likelihood of any one of us answering that in the affirmative - if we take our abilities and our foibles into consideration, there is little reason for us to even consider such a thing!

On the other hand, If the "Making of a Minister" is totally God's work, not ours - there may be a smidgeon of hope and faith that it might be possible! Let me share with you how my journey from doubt to faith enabled me to take God at His Word. Now that I am 85 plus years old, I can look back on my experiences and with all due respect and joy, I can say to my God: "Thank you, Lord! You have been so faithful in making it happen!"