I have the wisest pastor in the world

Don't believe me? Read on...


When Brent was arrested and banned (by the police) from returning home, one of the first things we did was take him to see our pastor. There were a lot of things going on that we needed help and guidance with: how to handle the arrest and criminal charges, how to deal with the underlying anger issues that led to the arrest, how to work toward a reconciliation between Kirk and Brent. Our pastor was formerly the chaplain at Lutherwood (a residential program for troubled youth) and has plenty of experience dealing with the Young Offenders justice system. He's also a skilled counsellor and mediator. He and Brent have a good relationship and Brent trusts him, so it seemed the logical place to go for help.


Our pastor listened to our tale, advised us on on how to begin working through our myriad troubles, spoke some words of encouragement to us and prayed with us. His take charge manner was quite reassuring and we left feeling a bit more hopeful.

But despite all that, Brent was still feeling pretty down - not being able to come home with us was pretty hard on him. We dropped him off at his place and reminded him we'd be there to pick him up the following morning to go to church.

We knew that going to church was going to be a hurdle for him; he was feeling pretty ashamed and self-conscious and worried that people would see him differently because of his arrest. We tried to reassure him as best we could.

That Sunday it was Confirmation day and we pull out all the stops for a big day like that. The service begins with special music and a full procession with acolytes, crucifer and candle-bearer followed by the Pastor, Vicar and the confirmands and then the choir, of which I am a member. So there I am, waiting in the narthex for the procession to begin and who do I see coming out, dressed in an alb and carrying the processional cross but Brent. My heart nearly stopped. Its been a number of years since I saw Brent dressed for a procession; those duties usually are carried out by confirmands and Brent is long since confirmed. Occassionally though, Pastor will tap an older kid if he's short of help.

I knew in the instant I saw him that our pastor had chosen Brent with another purpose in mind. This was his way of telling Brent that despite what had happened, nothing had changed. In this place, the cross was still for him, forgiveness was his just as surely as the cross he held in his hands. Your sins are forgiven, Brent.

It was a very moving moment for me. I entered the sanctuary that morning with tears streaming down my face, singing "Thy Strong Word" as my son processed ahead of me, bearing the cross to the altar. I will never forget that day and what my dear pastor did for my son.