For a fourth of my adult life, I was in full-time communications and part-time ministry (at least vocationally). Then for nearly the other three/fourths of my career, I have been in full-time ministry and part-time communications, writing for fun and sometimes profit in the free-lance and self-publishing world.
The circle is now complete- My SWBTS ring, featuring the Dome bought in 1991 by Melissa's parents. |
I pursued communications
for neither fame nor fortune (a good thing too), but rather because “I never
heard the Apostle Paul preach, but I read what he wrote”. The written word has
a legacy different and likely more lasting than the preached word.
I am proud to be
back “home at the dome” in Fort Worth. Southwestern was a great and formative
experience for me. At the time of my enrollment, it was the largest Protestant
seminary in the world with more than 5,000 students on campus. I loved SWBTS so
much I spent six years getting a two-year degree in 1991. (Full disclosure, during
that time, Melissa and I alternated going to school, she got her bachelor’s
degree, we had two children, and I served in two churches as well as working most
of those years as full-time journalist.)
My family asks me, “Are
you excited? Are you nervous?” to which I reply, “yes to both.” I enjoyed my years
as managing editor of two Texas newspapers and a writer at several others
including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. After so many years in ministry, I
never left writing and I know also I will never leave ministry either.
I left First Baptist Church of Killeen more than a month ago for a self-imposed Sabbatical. I officially accepted the Southwestern position the first day of my unemployment. But when I announced my resignation, I had absolutely no idea I would be going to where I am going. I intentionally preached my final sermon on the text of the waters parting only after putting their feet into the water. It truly was a leap of faith in a lifetime of walking by faith.
And as He always has been, God continues to show Himself faithful.
God was faithful then and will be faithful now in this new, not so new, season. Trusting Him❤️
ReplyDeleteWishing you and Melissa the best.God bless@
ReplyDeleteCongratulations in your future endeavor!
ReplyDeleteYou are a very gifted writer!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job.Praying for both of you.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your new journey & blessing for your family
ReplyDelete