Unexpected Water

When I began interviewing at this church, my first contact was with M.  M is an elder and has been an elder almost as long as I have been alive.

M’s questions were doctrinal and very specific.  It was obvious to me that he followed rigidly the traditions of the church’s denomination.  Our conversation was brisk and in the end, I wasn’t sure if I had passed his interrogation.  Our conversation was pointed enough, and his questions rigid enough I almost didn’t allow the interview process to proceed.

I did.

When I came for a face to face interview, M was obviously the keeper of the doctrinal tradition.  His personality is direct, specific, a little quirky, but with a quick smile.  He was difficult for me to read, but I was pretty sure, if I came, he would be a difficult person for my ministry.

Now that I am here, I was wrong.  M is one of those people who absolutely does have a very traditional and denominational view of the church, BUT he has a very unusual quality.  He listens.

When he hears an idea that differs from his, he talks to the person.  He will lay out what he believes, and he will listen to other points of view.  After he is finished, he goes home, thinks about it, studies the Scriptures and re-evaluates his own position.

His conclusions don’t always line up with mine, but I have seen him show much grace to people with differing views.  I have even seen him shift some of his views based on some of those interactions.  He is truly driven by his desire to follow Jesus.

I don’t care if his views and mine are in complete agreement.  They will not be.  His life is a testament to his discipleship.  I am glad he is an elder.

He is water where I expected none.