(Astute blog readers may note that Stan is my classmate from seminary. I am overjoyed to be able to say he is my friend. I still have a wonderful memory of his smiling face at our wedding in 1987, which seems like a long time ago in a land far away–KSH)
At the age of 19, through the example and sharing of a Christian friend, I asked Jesus to take over my life. While I knew the Lord forgave me, I continued to strive for personal perfection and holiness apart from God’s grace. I pursued the “call” off and on through my graduation from college in 1972, then living as a Capuchin (Franciscan) brother for two years.
What I discovered was my inability to live the Christian life. I was overwhelmed by my own rebellion against God. I was self-will run riot. While I “appeared” to be an active and “together” follower of Jesus, I knew better. My “insides” didn’t match up with what I appeared to be. I became quite accomplished at comparing what was going on inside of me with the public persona of other believers. I left the Franciscan community after my second year, and gave up on any thought of serving as a pastor.
Then in 1982, several folks from my home congregation, including the pastor, urged me to consider studying for the pastorate. I wanted no part of it. I knew what a hypocrite I was. I recall telling my pastor that I “wasn’t equipped to serve as a pastor.” Father George replied: “God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.”
I didn’t want to pursue the “call,” knowing my own inadequacies. After wrestling in prayer with the Lord for the better part of a year, I agreed to pursue the “call.” With the agreement and support of my wife, children and local church, I applied to our bishop to begin seminary. There are heel marks to this very spot! I didn’t decide to be a spiritual leader, the Lord chose this for me.
While in the Diocese of Pittsburgh I served in a neighboring parish (he in Brownville, I in Charleroi). He was always a prayerful encouragement in ministry. Glad to hear he is still keeping the faith.
Stan was a long-time colleague and friend here in Pittsburgh–a fine and faithful Christian leader and pastor in a hard-pressed community. We miss him here but I know are all glad to hear of the continuing blessing of his ministry in new corners of the Lord’s field . . . .
Bruce Robison
I am a long time member of Christ Church Brownsville although I live in another part of the country now. It was always refreshing to return and be under Stan’s ministry. I’m happy to see his profile here and ask for God’s ongoing blessing on his current work.
I was in that parish in San Angelo nearly 20 years ago. When the rector (Fr. Bob Hedges) retired, my wife and I began going downtown to Emmanuel. Good Shepherd was always a friendly accepting congregation, and are now following their conscience by leaving TEC. It appears that they now have a “good shepherd” in Fr. Stan.