Journal: Faith and Mission
Volume: FM 05:1 (Fall 1987)
Article: Letting The Pharaoh Go— A Pastoral Reflection
Author: Nancy Hastings

FM 5:1 (Fall 1987) p. 9

Letting The Pharaoh Go—
A Pastoral Reflection

Nancy Hastings

Pastor of Prescott Memorial Baptist Church
Memphis, TN

Discernment of the movement of the Spirit is crucial to each of us individually as well as corporately as communities of faith. We are always about the work of discernment as we seek the guidance of the Spirit in our prayers and actions. What is God saying to us in this place at this time? How do we know what God wants us to do?

Many of us long for a dramatic display of divine intervention. A burning bush or a blinding light would be adequate to get our individual attention. We want assurance and a clear sign from God. Yet, most of us do not receive divine revelation in earthquake, wind, or fire. We experience and perceive God’s will through a slow and often agonizing process of discernment.

Paula Clayton Dempsey offers us a good example of one who has walked through this territory of honestly searching for God’s will. She sought signs of clarification that enabled her in the decision-making process. Was it time to move to a new pastorate? Was her ministry just beginning at her present church, or was it time to move to a new church? To answer these questions, Paula took steps to receive as much information as possible about the new church. Interviews with the pastoral search committee gave her enough information to begin weighing the pros and cons of each choice. She found herself caught in the dilemma of feeling drawn to both sides of the discussion. Her internal volley with thoughts of “on the one hand” and “on the other hand” did not provide any real signs of progress.

The search committee was ready for a firm response of her intent to pursue the discussion. Paula felt some confusion and the need for more time to do further prayer and reflection. She was well aware of the multiple levels of searching for clarity as she wondered what her choice would mean for her, for her family, for her ministry, and the work of God’s kingdom. Such a decision needed the benefit of prayerful reflection as well as the perspective and guidance of spiritual companions and mentors. Paula continued to show wisdom as she sought additional reflection and guidance from trusted friends. These offerings from friends are yet another way to gain insights as we grapple with discernment of the Spirit.

Paula was also aware of another dimension to this choice. As a woman minister, her opportunities for moving to another pastorate within the Southern Baptist denomination are few and far between. Paula is in a better position than most female ministers in SBC life because she has had experience as a local pastor. Yet, even among women with experience,

FM 5:1 (Fall 1...