Raised as a Baptist, my life has always had Jesus as a part of my life. As I grew, I was impressed by Jesus’ extension of friendship to his disciples, to those who would follow him, and to the marginalized. I really wanted to be counted as one of Jesus’ friends. By the time I was twelve, I keenly desired to be baptized and participate in communion. Jesus remains my reliable guide, shepherd, and savior today.
By the early 2000s, I grew restless in my career, feeling the need to give more to others than was possible in publishing. I prayed for guidance, promising to follow where God would lead. I began to believe God was calling me to vocational ordained ministry, to serve a local church congregation, following the example of service to others set by Jesus (Matt. 20:25-26, 28). I sought guidance from mentors, who helped confirm the call. I then entered Palmer Theological Seminary. I was ordained as an American Baptist minister on January 5, 2014.
As a minister, I am dependent upon God and am God’s instrument for use. I am mindful, while serving others, it is God who makes things grow (1 Cor. 3:7). I am a witness to Jesus (Acts 1:8) and remain focused upon the Lord’s purpose and vision for the people to fulfill the two greatest commandments (Lk 10: 27). Equipping God’s people for service, so Christ’s body is built up (Eph. 4:12), is rewarding ministry.
Prior to ordination, I was blessed to be called to pastor Lansdowne Baptist Church in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. Now I have been further blessed to be called to First-Calvary Baptist Church of North Andover, Massachusetts. My vision for a church remains missional, working to build bridges and assist people. We are at a point where many communities no longer know or trust churches. We need to reintroduce ourselves to our community through a variety of innovative outreach programs, beginning with our live-streamed worship services. I look forward to sojourning together with this wonderful church family, seeing where God will lead us.