“Go out and embrace that holy calling you have to embody energy, intelligence, and imagination. And also remember you are not doing this for your people, you are doing this for Jesus and you are released from the judgements and criticisms of those around you to serve God faithfully wherever you are with what you have with grace for yourself and grace for what is to come. Be unafraid. Get a lot of sleep. Eat well. Connect with your people as best as you can and know that even the stones will cry out if the work that you’re doing is not enough.”

Rev. Emily McGinley, Executive Pastor, Urban Village Church, Chicago provided this blessing and benediction as part of a Facebook Live discussion with Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty. You can watch the full interview here or listen to it as a Podcast here.