After a truly remarkable September, which I never could have imagined or orchestrated myself, I am thrilled to announce that I am now the Director of Discipleship at FUMC Pearland. This church is the sister church of Redeemer Manvel, where my family and I have worshiped since 2019, so we’re still part of the same church family.

Being a Director of Discipleship truly is my dream job! If I could write my own job description, this would be it. I have four main areas and I truly love them all. First, I’ll be helping people on their individual faith journey to grow closer to God. Second, I’ll be encouraging people to join small groups, like growth groups and Sunday school, so they can do life with “their people.” Third, I’ll be supporting our amazing local and global mission partners. And fourth, I’ll be loving on people through pastoral care. AMAZING!!! And as a bonus, I’ll get to preach once in a while. (My first sermon will be October 10th.) There is also a Children’s Program, so I can pop over with my guitar and sing with the kids from time to time too. All of this makes my heart happy!

I am joyful acquaintances with the pastors and staff that I’ll be working with. I have admired their kingdom work from a distance and am now honored and humbled to be working alongside them. I’m looking forward to our spirit-filled and intentional collaboration and getting to know each of them more deeply and calling them my friends.

Because the schedule is more flexible than my previous appointment, there are some other happy outcomes to this new appointment as well. First and foremost for myself and my family. I’ll be able to see my boys off to school and, on occasion, be home to greet them at the end of the day. I’ll have Fridays to be me and take care of wife/mom things. I’ve already sorted out when I’ll do my devotionals and exercise. I’ve got to work out the guitar time, but I’ll get there. Next, I’ll be more likely to accept mid-week and weekend clergy invitations. I already have several on my calendar – BOM, WCA, and clergy women. Finally, I’ll be available to be with people when they need to feel God’s love surrounding them.

For the Lord is good and his loves endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5

For years, I have shared this verse as, “God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good.” And this past month, God has shown me His goodness in a powerful way. He’s shown me that He’s working things out for my good, even when I don’t understand. He’s shown me that the things that seem insurmountable for me are trivial to Him. He’s shown me that no one can stand in the way to His plan for my life. He’s shown me He’s not done with me yet and that I have more learning and growing to do. He’s shown me where the next season of my life and ministry will be spent.

And to that I humbly and joyfully say,

Here I am! Send me!

Isaiah 6:8