A Different Drummer

When I was in high school, I competed in a national preaching competition in Florida. I had done well enough in my 5-minute sermon at the regional competition in WI to qualify for nationals. I was excited for the opportunity to compete; but, as importantly, I was excited to be going to the sunshine state with my best friend and my youth pastor.

As the competition unfolded, my turn finally came to speak and… I TOTALLY ROCKED IT! I felt great about the whole thing and was excited to hear what the judges had to say. They went through their checklist and told me I had done really well except for 1 area – dress and appearance. I was baffled. I didn’t even know that category existed. And even if I did, I had a new haircut, clean clothes, no holes… so what was the problem?

I didn’t wear a suit.

I hadn’t noticed up until then, but all the other kids were wearing suits. I hadn’t even considered it. I didn’t even own a suit!

I was disappointed to say the least, but I learned something about myself that day -- I was marching to the beat of a different drummer. I couldn’t understand the need for a suit to preach the gospel!

Ten years later, I find myself in a church where the lead pastor doesn’t like to wear suits and the worship pastor has holes in his jeans. God’s been preparing me for Element Church for a long time. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do next, but I know that I’m exactly where God wants me to be right now. What a terrific feeling!

What has God been preparing you for?