Not counting the many years that I served churches as a music director, I started my 18^th year as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. One of the joys of ministry outside of the local church is to mentor up-and-coming men and women who are looking at ordained ministry as a vocation. I see their eyes light up when I ask them to tell me about their call to service as a clergy person. Each response reminds me of the many experiences that led me to discover God’s call on my life.

     I find it amusing to think about the man who, 18 years ago, served his first church, First United Methodist Church of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. I remember the church secretary calling me Pastor Joe for the very first time. While it startled me, it also made me aware of the weight on my shoulders as I served the good people that I came to know and love.

     I also discovered that there were times when what I learned in seminary did not prepare me to face some issues that I encountered as a church leader. I recall one time when I walked into the church on a Monday morning. I went to the restroom and discovered that the toilet was clogged by someone who attended worship on Sunday.

     I won’t tell anyone the words that were completely un-Christian, rattling around in my brain. I did what any self-respecting pastor would do. I picked up the plunger and started trying to work my magic to get the toilet unplugged. As I started this nasty part of my day, my cell phone rang. I looked at the name of the person calling. It was my district superintendent. I picked up the phone, and the first thing he asked me was, “What are you doing?”

     I started laughing and asked him if he really wanted to know. He answered yes, so I told him the truth. We both laughed, and suddenly, there was no longer a clog. I told Steve McElroy, the district superintendent, that he possessed a heavenly connection that set the prisoner free. I told him, “They never taught how to deal with this issue in seminary.” He finished the conversation by saying, “Well now. I guess this means you are in the club.”

     I often think about that crazy day, with the bizarre conversation, and realize it highlights how unexpected challenges teach us humility and reliance on God. I discovered time and again that what I told him about not learning how to deal with the issue rings true through all my ministerial work. I did not learn to be a plumber, nor did I discover my call while in seminary. Most of the crucial things about caring for people and my church began in Sunday school when I was very young. The teachers were not professors, but dedicated men and women with a love for Jesus.

     While I am very grateful for my education, I will always be thankful to those who shared their whole hearts. I stand on their shoulders and continue to hear them in any decision I make. They taught me to ask myself the following questions: Do my actions reflect God’s love and mercy in the world? Do I make time for the Holy One in my life? How can I be Jesus with skin in a world that needs to experience the transformative love of the Most-High God? These reflective questions serve as a reminder of the central role love and mercy play in our ministry, inspiring a deep sense of purpose and connection.

     So, filled with many more stories about discovering more skill sets, I share with my mentees that the journey may start in one place, but it almost always introduces a new, undiscovered path. Follow the road and never take your eyes off the one who leads the way. And probably the most important thing I bring to the table is remembering to share the love of God with every person, in every way you can. This is the journey of a pastor: to care for all people, regardless of the circumstances, trusting that God guides each step.