Lessons I'm Learning in 2020

It has been a year of change for me and my family. We moved during the beginning of the pandemic, sold and bought a house, started a new role at the Bridge Church and said “see you later” to an amazing church in Jacksonville and more. Once I began in my new position in Venice, we were solely online so I was able to start connecting through teaching and social media. It was quite a transition but God knew it all along! God has been faithful, gracious, patient and kind to me. I wanted to share a few lessons that I’m learning this year.

Seek to follow God’s Word over opinions. Masks or no masks and on and on. People are hurting this year more than ever. Angry, scared and confused. I’m learning to focus on God’s Word daily to help ground my heart and emotions. Oh and don’t even get me started on politics!

Leadership is revealed in troubled times. Who we are is revealed when we are frustrated or disappointed. I’ve had many moments where I saw the raw brokenness in my life and have asked God to do a work in me. This season has revealed who we are as people and gives us an ability to grow to become more like Christ.

Keep the main thing the main thing. In what I call the year of confusion and distraction, we must keep the gospel central to our lives. What is the mission of the church? I preached a series on who we are as the church and how to love like Jesus in a hurting world. It is all about helping people find and follow Jesus Christ. We had an incredible celebration in September, where 19 people went public with their faith through baptism at the beach! The church exists for the mission of Jesus here and around the world. In a season of craziness, the world needs a laser-focused, loving, Jesus sharing church!

Life is short - don’t waste opportunities. What 2020 has revealed is that 10 out of 10 die. We all spend eternity somewhere. The church must be on mission to share Jesus intentionally and lovingly to people. Jesus is coming back one day to make all things. I do know that the best is yet to come, not because of our earthly circumstances, but because Jesus is our King. Be encouraged today!

What lessons have you learned in 2020? I’d love to hear from you.

Living with More Questions than Answers

Jump Off Rock, NC

Last week, we spent some quality time with some of my family in Greenville, SC. It was a time to rest and recharge. We haven’t seen my parents since Christmas, which may be the longest stretch of time we’ve ever gone, so it was much needed for us.

Over the past 3+ months, we have moved to a new church family, in a new city, during a pandemic. We have sold a house and bought a house. We have learned a lot about social distancing, washing our hands (I thought people washed their hands?!) and people endlessly debating on social media about COVID-19.

There are times I felt like I was jumping on a plane that is already moving down the runway and it wasn’t even put together yet. All the while, not being able to build relationships with my new church family in person. For weeks, we were only able to get to know each other through online sermons, social media and phone calls.

These are unprecedented times. I think the word, “unprecedented” might be the word of the year.

My heart and prayers go out to all the people that are facing difficult times in their lives right now. Many of us are facing a lot of uncertainty and have more questions than answers.

But here’s what I do know… when God provides the next steps for anything in our lives, He never promises it will be easy. He never promised a stress-free life. He never promised that we wouldn’t walk through storms in life. He did let us know this truth:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

— John 16:33

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

— Joshua 1:9

Because Jesus is with us, we can walk in courage, not fear.
Because Jesus is the founder of the church, we can rest knowing His church will never fail.
Because Jesus loves us, we can experience peace in the midst of a crazy season.
Because Jesus is faithful, we can continue His mission without wavering.
Because Jesus loves all people, we can focus intentionally on reaching people with the gospel!

I’m grateful to be a part of what God is doing in southwest Florida. My prayer is that in the days ahead, we will grow in faith and not fear. My prayer is that we will see a movement of God that changes many lives for eternity. Will you join me?

Ministry + Family update

My family and I have been so blessed over the years with people near and far who love us and pray for our ministry. I wanted to give you an update on our future and what’s to come for us in the days ahead. This past Sunday, I shared with our church family that I have accepted the call to become the Lead Teaching Pastor at The Bridge Church in Venice, Florida.

It has truly been an incredible blessing to be a part of Chets Creek Church and see the North Campus planted and growing. We have watched God transform lives and people find hope in Jesus! And while we are going to miss our Chets family greatly, we know that God is calling us onward to join the work He is doing at The Bridge!

My last Sunday preaching at Chets Creek North will be March 15.

Will you join us in praying for a few things?

• Pray for the North Campus. For the church to grow and continue the mission to reach more people for Jesus!

• Pray for everything to go smoothly with selling our home (we went under contract three days after listing!)

• Pray for us as we search for a new place to live in the Venice area.

• Pray for The Bridge and for God to bless this ministry to be all that He wants it to be!
  

We love you all and are very grateful for your prayers in the days ahead!