Dear CPC Family,
It has been almost three years since Kimberly, Paul, Jon Michael, and I came to CPC as the Interim Youth Pastor. When Ken Henry recruited me, Heather Morrison was nervous about who they might call to the position. What she didn’t know was just about the only thing Ken asked me was: “Can you work well with Heather?” In God’s providence, Heather and I had worked together for years at CCS, both with the Surfing Club and as my student aide. In addition, I was close to the Morrison family and both of the girls had been in my Bible class and babysat our kids. Her mom, Christine, was my go-to substitute for school. John borrowed books from my personal library. Heather understands the need teens have for biblical truth, challenges to practical Christian living, deep healthy relationships, and adventure. She can organize and track detail with amazing productivity. Anything that runs well in our Youth Ministry is either largely or completely due to Heather.
Also in God’s providence, I was Jake Bennett’s pastor when he was at Covenant College and we had reconnected during his time at CPC. Kimberly and I have long loved Jake and Rebekah. It was a joy to have a brief period of ministry with him. Jake was no longer the inexperienced young man; instead, we were able to work together as peers, and I was now at times the student. I learned from him, and he ministered to me in several very difficult situations. Truly God is good and His timing is perfect.
While I have known many people at CPC over the years - through Presbytery, Covenant College, extended families, etc. - I knew Pastors Render, Eric, Dan, and John (Herberich) quite well. Pastor Render especially made time for me as a young pastor and has constantly encouraged me as a husband and pastor. He was relieved that I am a much calmer man than I was 20 years ago! I am deeply grateful that Render took time for me at key moments to pour into my life and ministry.
When (former Executive Pastor) Jake left, I assumed oversight of the Children’s Ministry, working with Sara Southard which has been wonderful. Sara shares the qualities of every single member of the staff here at CPC: kind, thoughtful, diligent, having a passion for Christ and a warm affection for the rest of the staff, and a commitment to CPC. In so many ways, Sara and I have common ideas about children’s ministry. Her ministry, as well as the ministry of the nursery, was functioning well, with a deep commitment to discipling kids and keeping them safe. Sara understands that we need to meet kids where they are, and not all kids are in the same place. I pray that I can be an encouragement and support to her ministry.
When Bill Massey arrived, one week after I did, two things were very apparent. First, Bill and I have completely different ministry “styles.” Second, Bill was one of the kindest, wisest, and godliest pastors I have ever known. We weren’t at all alike, but wow, he was easy to work with. He has become a good friend and another person from whom I have learned much. I am so glad that the Session has called him to stay.
Our family came from First Presbyterian Chattanooga - a church where we have great friends. It is always difficult to make a transition to another church. What I can say for all of us is that coming to CPC has been very much like coming home. You feel like “our people.” My youngest (Jon Michael) loves the youth group and my middle (Paul) enjoys helping with the sound ministry. My wife has received the warmest of welcomes.
My “record-setting” interim status has been due to the length of time of pastoral transition and giving David and me time to get to know one another while making sure that we are on the same page with the mission of the church. I am glad he thinks we are; I certainly do. My only ambitions at this point in my life are loving my wife well (Ephesians 5.28), seeing my children raised to know Christ and seek His kingdom (Matthew 6.33), equip the saints for works of service (Ephesians 4.13), and make Christ known (Ephesians 3.8). I pray that CPC Youth know that Christ is more wonderful than we can imagine and that following Him is the greatest adventure upon which we can embark.
