Over the years I have met many inspiring people. One such is Taylor Field, the founder and pastor-leader of Graffiti Church and mission in New York City, NY. This past weekend Taylor and his wife Susan were in Plano for a night and I was privileged to spend time learning more about their exciting work and ministry. Taylor is bright, gracious and easy to be with. He is a prolific writer and excellent communicator. A pastor who could have graced any pulpit in our land, he has chosen, instead, a path less glamorous by ministering to those at the fringe.
As our meeting was ending, Taylor offered time for questions and I asked how his particular call to ministry had come. "What moved you, Taylor? How did you sense a calling to minister in New York's Lower East Side?" Without hesitation he replied - 'it came to me at the intersection of faith and passion. My faith in Christ and my passion for what I like to do - which, for me, was when I could meet someone's most basic need.' 'Anytime I found myself doing that,' he continued, 'I would realize my greatest joy - and that was the easiest, most natural place for me to share the gospel.'
Now I have thought about that phrase for most of this day - 'where faith and passion meet' - by turning those words over and over in my head. I like both their meaning and sound. Faith I know about - it is my confession in Christ. But passion, well, I confess this is more difficult to know. Of course when passion is absent I know that - and when it is present I know that too. But... to know it everyday and at all times ... well, that's another story altogether.
Have you been to this intersection? Not just today, but ever? I have. When I drive onto the parking lot of this church, I am there. When I stand before a couple at a wedding, or pray with a family about to bury a loved one, or ask folks to stand with me in the honor of reading God's Word, I am there. When I serve the LORD's supper at communion, or counsel a young minister as he is stepping out in faith, I am there. For me, serving as a pastor is the intersection where my faith in Christ - my witness and confession of His gospel - and my passions, gifts and desires meet. It is a place like no other, for it is that place where the very best of my service unto God is found.
Taylor reminded me of this, last night - and God is reminding me of it, again, today.
So take your own inventory. Do you know Christ as your Savior? If so, where is it that you find yourself most comfortable, most joyful in sharing this news? Think of it right now. In your mind, go there! For this is the place where your faith and passion meet! And this is the place where your best, unto Him, will be found.
Blessings,
Pastor Sam
