adam feldman blog

how do you slow down?

I got a bike a few weeks ago (Trek 7.2FX hybrid). Kim had been begging me to get a bike for the last 6 years so that we can ride together, and I finally made the plunge. Last weekend we rode from our house to the Bean Hollow together--a 12 mile round trip. I have also biked to the Hollow myself a few times and to my new favorite Catonsville dive: El Nayar (cheap, GOOD Mexican!!).

Biking has provided me with a good way of getting a solid cardio workout while I commute. Of course, chowing down on an "everything" bagel with cream cheese at the coffee shop in between commutes probably negates that.

I suppose that I am also saving some money by not using gas. But, given the cost for the bike and the meager amount of gas I am saving on such short commutes, I doubt I will see any difference in my wallet for a few more months.

The greatest benefit has been s-l-o-w-i-n-g down. It naturally takes longer to get from point A to point B than it does in a car. It is also much more quiet and contemplative since the temptation of radio, iPod and CD player are not easily accessible.

Finding small ways to slow down and to pull away from the temptation (medication?) of noise is a great way of incorporating a listening posture to your daily routine. So many voices, so many noises, all competing for your time. And, yet, God is talking all the time... if you just listen.

How do you intentionally slow down? How do you intentionally shut out the noise? How do you listen?

pastoring is dang hard

This summer Metanoia is walking through Colossians. Two weeks ago I preached through Col. 1.24-2.7 and talked about the call to be a pastor/elder. In the sermon I affirmed that there are many callings and many ministries, and that the call to be a pastor/elder is to equip others to fulfill their callings and ministries.

I also talked about how hard pastoring is. In the text, Paul refers to his work as toil. In Greek the word is agonizomai--the root word we get "agony" from in English. Not many people realize how agonizing pastoring is. Expectations and pressures abound from within the pastor's own heart for the church community that he serves. In the US, many expect the pastor to be an amazing public speaker, a jack-of-all-trades and capable of making everyone happy. Pressure within and pressure from the community that ought to be lovingly supporting the man God has called to serve them is compounded by pressure from our common enemies: Satan, flesh and the world. No wonder 4 out of 5 seminary graduates are no longer serving in full time ministry within 5 years of graduating!

Yet, amidst the agonizomai, there is the sweet promise that God works powerfully in the pastor's ministry. There is the joy of shepherding and guiding Jesus' people through His strength. There is the excitement of leading the only counter-cultural movement the world has ever seen--and the thrill of danger around every corner. There are friendships--statistically few, unfortunately--where the pastor is known and loved as a person and not an "office." There is the hope of one day hearing, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

If you are a pastor and need a word of encouragement, I hope this has been a breath of fresh air for you from someone else in a foxhole just down the trail. If you are not a pastor and want to know how to practically support your pastor, here's the mp3 of my sermon. Download it and pray for the man God has called to equip you for your calling and ministry.

5 years TODAY!

Today my beautiful wife and I celebrate our fifth anniversary! Yesterday we had a little date while Bubbie and Papa watched Abby. It was fun to reminisce on what we were doing "this day 5 years ago" (the day before our wedding). We talked about the stressful things getting ready for the rehearsal and wedding, as well as the funny stories of our bachelorette and bachelor parties. Then, in the quiet afternoon, I spent some time alone thanking Jesus for the amazing gift of marriage and asked his blessing on many more years with Kim.

I love you, babe!

5 years!

I'm sitting next to my wife in a coffee shop. We both have our laptops out and are working. I love being in coffee shops with Kim--we met in one six years ago! This Friday we celebrate our fifth anniversary. My, my, my... time flies!