Just Call Me Rev

This Christmas, my sister-in-law decided to label all my presents “The Rev.” I think once she realized that I am actually Reverend Melissa Boyer, she went nuts! I think it’s totally cute.

I’m excited for 2013 and my duties as a reverend. In April, I will be credentialed into the second level in the Assemblies of God, so I will be a licensed minister. In July, I get to do my first wedding! I’m so excited to be a part of someone’s special day when I don’t have to purchase a dress I’ll only wear once!

Then again, it’s me. You know I’m gonna’ buy a new dress.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be called a minister. I’ve been meditating on that “sovereign” word reverend. It’s such an unbelievable thing in my life, even now. I never imagine I would be a missionary, let alone an actual Assemblies of God minister. It’s so exciting to look back and see where God has quite literally numbered my steps.

I was filling out paper work for this next level of credentialing, and they gave me this prompt A minister must be able to show that he or she can “Implement effective personal health, growth, and time management plans.” As strange as I thought the question was at first, I think I came up with a very good answer.

"I would say the past 12 months have been the best of my life as far as personal health. I realized that I kept saying, “Lord, anytime, anywhere,” but my physical body would not have been able to do that. Since January of 2012, I’ve lost 45 pounds and begun to work out regularly. Part of it was the idea of fitting into smaller clothes (I am a woman, as well as a minister), but the majority of it was being able to accomplish what God’s will for my life is.

Personal growth has also been an area of increase the past year. I begin my mornings with constant prayer. I like to have an ongoing conversation with the Lord throughout my day. I spend my time before bed in the Word and praying/meditating on what I read. I frequently journal as a way of connecting to God. If I write down my prayers, I can look back and see when He answers them.

As for time management plans, I am very organized. My planner is my right hand. Since the atmosphere of Chi Alpha is a go-go-go situation, I have to be on top of things. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to say no to a situation so you make sure God and time with Him is priority. I’ve also learned that it’s incredibly important as a minister to have leisure/personal time. As a single minister, my parents and close friends are very important to me, so I make sure to manage my time with them as well. My mentor, Missi Trask, frequently looks at my schedule to make sure I’m not overloaded, and leaving adequate room for my growth in Christ."

Now, I have since received an e-mail that says my District Superintendent approved my form and I will receive credit for this particular part, which is incredibly exciting.

See, all of those things (health, time management, growth) are something ALL of us should do, not just ministers. So, I want to encourage you. Make a plan to improve your life. Not because I’m telling you or because Oprah is telling you, but because God deserves the best version of you that can exist. And, for those of you who think you can’t be a minister or make a difference in the world, think again. If someone as silly and random as me can become a licensed (I hope!)* minister in the Assemblies of God, who’s to say you can’t grow to a deeper place in Christ?

Peace Out, Home Fries.

Reverend Missy :o)

*I say “hope” because I still have to finish two classes, take a fairly difficult test and pass an interview with four or five ordained, AG, male ministers. Prayers are appreciated! Thanks!