As a pastor, one of the most challenging issues I face is relocating to a new worship space. My five years in Belen proved excellent, but now the possibilities seem endless in my new parish, St. Paul’s UMC in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This transition, while daunting, is also a fertile ground for growth and new experiences. For me, the most difficult part of moving is having to start over when memorizing names. Unfortunately, I do not possess the ability to remember names after hearing them just once. I admire pastors who possess the gift of photo memory.

     I do not want to ignore the issues that we may face in the first few years of my ministry. I am determined to have the names memorized, and to no longer be the new guy. I eagerly anticipate the day when I can greet church members by name as they come up to receive Communion or greet them at the end of the service at the back of the sanctuary. I look forward to the day that I speak to people and feel comfortable because we took the time to get to know one another.

     Unfortunately, I know that I cannot wave a magic wand and, presto chango, we establish intimacy at the drop of a hat. Close relationships do not happen overnight, but over time. It’s in this waiting and trusting that the true beauty of relationships is revealed. For now, I must be the new kid on the block, with the hope that once the title of “newbie” no longer matches my relationship with parishioners, we may enjoy a deep friendship united in our commitment to the Savior. For now, let us be grateful that the God we worship continues to guide us. May agape light our path, always loving others as Christ loves us.