Acts 17:26-28 says that God has“…determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘in him we live and move and have our being.’”
Here the Scripture is telling us that God’s care and concern for us is so deep, so true, and so intimate that He has laid out a plan not only for our salvation, but even to the detail of where we will live and serve Him, that in doing so we would know Him more.
Serving at Calvary Baptist Church in Avon Lake over the last three years have been a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow in every way. Having the chance to work with the Worship Team at Calvary has been far greater than I could have imagined…often being challenged not only by their gifted musicianship, but more importantly by their heart to serve and their dedication to Christ. And while I have often joked about working with “Pastor Dad,” it has been a privilege beyond description to magnify the glory of Christ under his leadership. But just as Acts 17 says, God knew in his infinite wisdom the allotted period in which we would serve together at Calvary.
As some of you are aware, the last several years have included a series of disappointments in which I wondered where God was leading, particularly in regard to seminary. While having a deep love for the people of Calvary and the music ministry there, I’ve also had a strong desire to pursue further theological education through seminary. As God shifted my passions, it seemed that no matter which option I pursued, the door was never fully opened.
Several weeks ago, I became aware of a position at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. Many of you know that I have been deeply affected by the ministry of Mark Driscoll, and have had the opportunity to visit Mars Hill and other related events on several occasions. When I found out about the position, though I had much apprehension, the Spirit seemed to be giving a calm assurance that this was God’s will for me to pursue.
Throughout the last several weeks, God has worked out the many details. I have accepted this position at Mars Hill Church as the Worship Department Assistant, and will begin in mid-September. I’ll be assisting Tim Smith, the Worship Pastor at Mars Hill Church. He is responsible for the training of new worship leaders for Mars Hill Church, as they seek to expand, by God’s grace, to 100 campuses by the year 2020.
In the meantime, the position also involves full scholarship for seminary education (a Masters of Missional Leadership) at the Resurgence Training Center in Seattle (also called Re:Train). I will be spending the next 5 days (August 16-20) in Seattle, and then returning to complete three weeks at Calvary.
I cannot express the extreme joy and pleasure that it has been to serve at Calvary. In the midst of both good times and bad, God has allowed Calvary to be a place where not only friendships are built, but where Gospel partnerships are formed. Thank you for your patience with me, allowing me to learn and grow in leadership, making many mistakes along the way. Your grace toward me has been truly humbling, and your encouragement over the last several years has been a tremendous source of sustenance.
In my office I have a file folder with every encouraging card or note or email that I’ve received…reading it this past week was a blessing beyond words. These words, written nearly three years ago by my Dad, had deep meaning... “As iron sharpens iron, I hope we can sharpen each other as we serve together.” I want to publicly thank my Dad, whom I have often called “Pastor Dad.” When people have asked over the last few years how it has been to work together, by God’s grace I have been able to genuinely say that it has been far better than either of expected, and infinitely better than either of us deserved. Dad has been a source of godly wisdom, timely rebuke, and humble service. I count it a joy to have learned from his experience, and as Hebrews says, to imitate his way of faith.
To those at Calvary, thank you for the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow with you. You are deeply loved. I look forward to hearing of how God strengthens not only the music ministry, but the entire body of Christ, as you continue to lift His Name in worship.
As we say often, keep everything Christ-centered and Cross-driven.
