Yesterday, I resigned from my position as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church Beaumont in response to God's call to pastor Christ Baptist Church in Wilson, NC. We have been praying for months about God's unmistakable call on our lives.
I must tell you how God orchestrated the events surrounding this call:
Anybody remember when I did the MP3 cd giveaway a few months ago? I expected about 5 people to request one. Well, my friend, Rob, decided to send that link to Justin Taylor in hopes that more people could get their hands on such great sermons. Justin Taylor graciously posted the link and I got flooded with e-mails requested these sermons. I immediately had to shut down the giveaway and ended up sending about 80 or so cds out. In order to "fill up" one of the cds, I included 3 of my most recent sermons, hoping to be of benefit to someone.
Well, one person who received this cd, Lisa, is part of a church plant in Wilson, NC. She is part of a group of 7 who have been meeting for Bible study and prayer for over a year. They have been praying for a lead pastor. Only because of the mysterious providence of God, Lisa listened to one of my sermons and found her heart resonating with mine. She shared my sermons with the core group in Wilson.
Then, I get this e-mail from Lisa asking me if I would ever consider pastoring a church plant. She had no idea Jeanna and I have been praying for a church to pastor. She was just stepping out in faith. My interest peaked when I read their core values and mission statement (which I will include in a future post). I found my passions and desires in their core values.
So, I said, "Sure, I'll consider it." And now I'll be packing up the U-haul and driving across the country to be a part of watching Christ build His Church in Wilson.
I feel like Lou Gehrig, standing in the middle of Yankee stadium saying, "I must be the luckiest man on the face of the earth." Well, I feel like the most blessed man in the history of the world. I don't deserve these blessings. I don't deserve to pastor. I don't deserve to have a fellow elder like my new friend, Tim.
Ask lots of questions. I'm not sure what else to write.
13 comments:
I pray Christ Baptist Church will never grow tired of shouting from the rooftops this story of God's gracious favor. We are blessed beyond compare and cannot wait to walk in faithfulness with such a godly family as the Childers.
Lisa and Christ Baptist Church
Wilson, NC
"For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him... They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord... their life shall be like a watered garden and they shall languish no more." Jeremiah 31:11-12
That is really awesome Justin. I am thankful that the Lord is so faithful to use you guys for His purposes. I am sad that you guys are moving away! I hope you continue to blog!!!
Our church began with a handful of people as well, and now we, praise the Lord, are busting at the seams-not only with numbers but with lives that are changed and who desire to be like Christ!!!! We also began in an elementary school!
We will be praying for you guys and your new flock! Sitting here trying to think of words to encourage you, verses in Titus keep ringing through my mind. It would be hard to pick just a few- But my prayer for you guys is that you would be faithful to the Lord and to your flock. That you would be strong and preach the word. That you would be ready to rebuke and encourage. That you wouldnt let anyone look down on your youth- but that you would preach the word with all authority and humility. That you guys will be teachable and transparent. That you would lean on the Lord for everything. And that you guys will keep in touch! And let us know how its going! :) We love you guys and we are excited to see how the Lord uses you in North Carolina!!!
In Christ alone,
Sarah
Well I praise God for answering our prayers! I've been praying for Christ BC and specifically their future pastor for a while now. As a new pastor on 13 weeks into his first church I am excited for you! I can tell you it's an amazing journey. May God's glory radiate as you overflow with Christ.
Our church, Grace Christian Fellowship (www.GraceToday.net) will continue praying for you. In addition, if there is anything we can do to help support you, just let us know.
allHis! Darien Gabriel
My only reget is that Wilson, N.C. is so far away from Duncan, OK. But I trust God's providence will allow us to cross paths regularly at conferences and other planned retreats.
I count you as a brother and a friend and am thankful that by God's grace I have had the opportunity to observe His grace at work in your and Jeanna's lives.
Christ Baptist Church in Wilson is blessed with a Bible-saturated, Holy Spirit-guided, Christ-exalting, Cross-eyed, Wife-loving, prayer-dependent, Pastor!!
Two question though:Which professional baseball team is close by and where's the nearest golf course?
Clif
Clif, North Carolina is college basketball country, so we barely acknowledge baseball. The Durham Bulls aren't too far away though. Do the minor leagues count? And Wilson has a few golf courses, but Pinehurst is a few hours away if Justin has to have REAL golf!
"we barely acknowledge baseball"
(gasp) thats blasphemy! No baseball fans? How do you guys survive? How do you function???? What in the world do you do with your free time???? LOL!!!!
Go Stros' all the way in 06'!!!!
I am rejoicing with you! It is amazing to watch God's guiding hand of providence. May He grant Christ Church to "be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord."
very, very excited! I can't wait to see how God moves in this church and in your life.
Who would have thought that Justin would be a part of a church plant this fall. wow.
May the Lamb recieve the reward of His suffering in Wilson.
Justin,
I will pray for you ad your flock in this endeavor!
Chase
Justin,
In the short time I've gotten to know you, I can truly say you have challenged me and inspired me with your zeal for the Lord. Don't ever lose that. Keep in touch. God bless you and your family in your new endeavor.
Chris Mitchell
Ha! Ha! This is me laughing with joy for you and Jeanna, and for the community of Wilson. I'm not sure they fully comprehend what God is about to do through you and in them! This co-laborer in Christ will miss you not being in Texas, but I praise God for the opportunity He has given you guys. It was only a matter of time. I pray blessings over you and your family and over your new flock. God is incredible!
denbigh
Brother,
I just discovered this post. What an exciting and kind providence the Lord has performed! I am praying that you and the family would find His grace sufficient in every way and that He would be pleased to make your life and ministry fruitful in Wilson.
Now, as for Wilson.... A few things to keep in mind. Actually, the Mudcats are closer than the Durham Bulls. So you might check out a little minor league action there.
You're not from the Triangle area so I gotta stress what one other writer noted. You're heading deep into college hoops territory. You're a little far east of the epicenter, but close enough that you gotta know the ropes. Okay... you get two teams of the big three (Carolina, Duke and NC State). You get your favorite of the three (that's NC State for me, class of '92), and you get one of the other two, usually the one you don't hate. Now, you will be immediately suspect in the eyes of locals if you pretend no interest or you pull the "I'm okay with them all" routine. Save your minsitry! Pick a team! By the way, UNC fans are not to be trusted :-)
Last big point. I'm from Lexington, NC-- the barbecue capitol of the world baby! But there is a huge difference between eastern NC and Lexington-styled barbecue. They're both good and beat the pants off the stuff in SC and VA. But be aware that the barbecue loyalties run deep, too. My wife is from a little town called Chocowinity, about an hour east of Wilson. Next time we pass through, we should get together and have some bbq.
Every grace and blessing,
Thabiti
Wow, I go on vacation and you up and move. Great news for you, and may you experience God's gracious providence as you make numerous huge adjustments.
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