Carolyn and I were married 15 years ago, in May 1992. Wow. I’m more in love with her today than ever. I truly married and still enjoy the companionship of my best friend. Our home is one of playfulness, laughter and endless surprise. We’re deeply imperfect, blessed people.
The first few months of our marriage [...]
A turn on the trail
After six of the most liberating, challenging, joyful, heart-wrenching, Christ-honoring, spiritual-warfare-filled years of our lives as the founding pastor of Journey Church in Monticello, I resigned today. It was a gut-wrenching decision.
I communicated to the amazing members of Journey two weeks ago that I had been contacted by Northstar Church in Blacksburg, Virginia. After a very long process with them that began last November when my name was submitted to their pastor search team, they had called to say that they were focusing on me as their next pastor.
They flew my family in this past weekend to meet members and leaders of the church as well as preach in their worship services on Sunday. Afterwards, they graciously and officially invited me to serve as their next pastor. Northstar is also six years old, and their founding pastor resigned at the end of last summer.
We asked for a few days to continue in prayer. (Who wouldn’t say “yes” after a weekend of being treated like royalty?) Today, we called to relate our acceptance of their invitation. We are overwhelmed with conflicting emotions but are completely confident in our Lord’s direction to this new season of life and ministry.
The emails, texts, tweets and phone calls today have been extremely encouraging. We are truly blessed with amazing friends and church members – both at Journey and now at Northstar. I ask that you would please be in prayer for both churches during these days of transition and new direction.

On this day...
- Family camp picture featured in news magazine - 2008
- My deadly sins... - 2006
- Congratulations are in order! - 2006

Feeling sweet?
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June 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I did find their ‘The Nobles are Coming’ graphic interesting. Kind of like a warning and a celebration all in one.
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June 4th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Wow, friend! Big changes, indeed. Looking forward to having y’all up the road (well, 4 hours, but that’s a lot closer than Monticello).
Prayers for you as you journey east.
June 5th, 2009 at 2:12 am
We are so happy for you guys. I know your family will be as much of a blessing and inspiration as you have been to our family and to Monticello. Let me know if you need help packing (I could send Kristy and the clan your way).
June 5th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I was startled by this but Congratulations.Awesome.
June 5th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I am so happy for what God is doing in your lives.. I have no doubt that this is his plan. I cannot help but feel sadness for myself and a bit of fear for what is to come for our much loved Journey Church, but again, knowing that God is right in the center of this gives me reassurance that he is not leaving with you alone, but leaving with you AND staying with us. I hope they know what an amazing family they are gaining into their church, aside from a fantastic teacher. Love you guys!
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June 8th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Still praying! … For you to change your mind that is.
June 9th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
God bless you in your next chapter in life. Sad to see a chapter close, but the next one seems exciting!
Western Virginia is beautiful!
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June 10th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Thanks, everyone. We’re grateful for things like this blog to keep up with you all. Stay tuned! ;)
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