"Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he [Jesus] saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass." They didn't ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed."        - Mark 1: 16-18 (The Message)

In many ways, I am an apprentice. When I was younger, I apprenticed with my father in home building and construction. My first job was to pick up bricks and other construction debris on the site. I didn't like it, but it taught me the importance of keeping the job site clean in order to be productive. In ministry, I have apprenticed with several great pastors, benefiting from their years of experience, their successes and failures. Last spring, I received clinical pastoral training as an intern at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. In this different setting, I learned how to provide appropriate spiritual care for those who are dealing with complex physical illnesses. 

In each apprenticeship, I have been given freedom to learn on-the-job, without being asked to be an expert or have all knowledge or perfect skill. Believe me, there have been times when I have felt uncomfortable and didn't completely know what I was doing.        Read more...