I tell you that you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. – Matthew 16:18

Today I would like to share more about the critically important idea of community – and by community I mean both where we live and where we worship. There are several motivations behind this post:

I’m writing A) because America needs to understand this truth, B) because humankind is engaged in a deep struggle for meaning, C) because Tarboro without a strong Presbyterian church is no longer Tarboro, and D) because the next pastor of Howard Memorial will enjoy the privilege of a historically definitive ministry.

Regarding America, I believe it is well past time for people to rediscover the following truth, one that more and more researchers are concluding: Church is irreplaceable as the essential hub of not just sacred but shared life. People who stop going to Church are missing out on an experience of community that cannot be replicated, and – consequentially – losing touch with our core identity as a people.

Then the rhythm – the cadence – of weekly worship is, I believe, critical to our essential nature as beings created in the image of God. We are more whole, more complete and more connected to the intrinsic fabric of the created order when we sing and meditate and worship and pray.

Rebekah and I may have been faith leaders all of our adult lives, but we still need a local Christian community where we can drop anchor. We are loved and nurtured and encouraged and nourished here and we would never consider being without a church home.

This particular iteration of church is also a lynchpin of Tarboro. Influential citizens of this town have worshipped here and been anchored here for 152 years. A strong Presbyterian presence has helped define this remarkable town and the town has helped to define this remarkable church.

Our Next Pastor:

I am also writing in anticipation that the next leader of HMPC will – providentially – stumble upon these words. I know that God has our future in mind but it may well be that our next pastor is not currently paying attention!

Tarboro is a small Eastern North Carolina town that consistently “punches above its weight” in all areas. Tarboro is the county seat, boasts a top-ranked community college, has a rich cultural and artistic scene and enjoys a charming period town center that sits between the historic 1760 Common and the Tar River. Downtown features local boutiquey stores, a nationally acclaimed restaurant, an award-winning brewery and is home to one of the most extensive collections of listed historic homes in the state.

Howard Memorial anchors historic Tarboro along with our Episcopalian, Methodist and Baptist neighbors. Because of this – both proximity and history – the role of pastor here comes with a unique opportunity to become an instantly consequential leader in a community with both a rich past and a bright tomorrow.

“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

Of all the raw materials at hand, the richest resource is Howard Memorial’s membership. We are a church whose members consistently put serving God and following Jesus ahead of the issues that too often divide (too easily and too many).

Howard Memorial is well-known for its traditions of strong preaching, mission, community service, generosity, unity, political neutrality and providing strong leadership to the Presbytery. There is good reason: we understand that church is not about us but about Jesus, not about our pet issues but God’s great love for all people, and not about our personal agenda so much as where the Spirit leads us.

Of course this community is not without its challenges. But this is why we look to Jesus rather than our personal preferences, politics, penchants, partialities and prejudices.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2a

Imperfect, but forgiven; concerned, but buoyed by promise; a little anxious, but held in the everlasting arms; impatient, while doing our best to wait on God – DEREK