“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” – Mark 9:23

This post is about how much I love our local church, what it means to lead a congregation, what makes this community special and how our future is held in God’s providential care.

Loving this church and community

During forty-five years as a Presbyterian this is my first time attending a church that is in-between pastors (being married to a preacher has its advantages). The minister search process can be long and sometimes frustrating, but we are excited about the possibilities and what God has in mind for this next season of leadership.

I love the Presbyterian Church. I grew up in a different tradition, but once I fell for Rebekah and got on board with her journey into ministry I easily found my home in this denomination’s profound love for Jesus, compelling theology, deep social conscience and dignified worship.

There is, of course, no perfect church and no flawless theology, but our experience has been consistently positive, encouraging, dynamic and defined by growth. Rebekah and I have always understood that we are called not so much to be right as to be faithful, and the church we currently attend – Howard Memorial Presbyterian in Tarboro – is another great example of what faithful witness looks like.

HMPC is a mid-sized congregation living into this beautiful 152-year story of being the presence of Christ in this community. We have a tradition of strong preaching, creative mission and making a powerful impact that far exceeds expectations. We have the people, the resources and the critical component of belief that adds up to just about anything being possible.

At the same time we are blessed to be situated at the heart of the historic district in a town that is known statewide for its architecture, its rich cultural traditions, its enduring charm and its celebrated claim as, “The Crossroads of Western Civilization.”

Pastors and Providence:

What I most want to communicate, however, is the truth that ministry is not just a career but a response to an invitation by the Spirit of God. Ministry is a call to become immersed in a particular community as a servant-leader, a pastor-proclaimer who believes that “with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

There is a powerful moment where God’s plans and our obedient response intersect; I understand this as providence and everything else is secondary. The only reason Rebekah and I enjoyed such a positive and fruitful ministry is the confluence of our willingness to serve, God’s Faithfulness and unremitting Grace.

What exactly – and who exactly – God has in mind for Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church remains to be revealed. But this much I know: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

In that love, and because of that love – DEREK.