As you may know, I am a big Lord of the Rings fan. I have read the trilogy and have seen the movies many times. So when the prequel to The Lord of the Rings movies came out in 2012, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, I knew I had to see it. While I hadn’t read the book, I knew it had to be good, and I was right. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he is recruited by Gandalf, the wizard, to help a group of dwarves reclaim their homeland. Bilbo is a hobbit, thus the title of the book/movie. Hobbits usually keep to themselves. They don’t go out very much, and live a simple life, but it makes them happy. As such, when Gandalf comes knocking with the dwarves, Bilbo is far from excited about joining them at first. However, after giving it some thought, he decides to join them on their adventure, and it’s quite an adventure, but I’ll let you watch the movies or read the book if you want to find out more.
What made it unexpected, though, was that it was against Bilbo’s plans. He enjoyed his life at home. He had no plans to travel or anything of the sort. I find myself in a similar situation. I moved here in 2018 to fill the position of youth pastor. I love youth ministry. Teenagers offer a unique perspective of the world and I really enjoy leading and teaching them through all that the teen years have to offer. I have a lot of fun leading the youth ministry here at RCC. From playing goofy games, to having serious conversations on what it means to follow Jesus, it’s always a fun experience for me. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the spiritual growth of our students here at RCC over the years. I’ve had the honor of baptizing many of them, and look forward to more baptisms in the future. I really love leading our youth.
In 2022, we started RCC Kids. Children’s ministry is something I was not trained in, but I knew it was something good for us to have here at RCC. While it was challenging for me at first, getting used to the differences between leading teens and leading kids, I’ve had a lot of fun with it. Wednesday nights usually drain me, but it’s so worth it to see these young kids learn about Jesus.
And through all of this, I’m so grateful for the amazing leaders that have stepped up and helped lead the kids and the youth. We wouldn’t have the students we have if it weren’t for them. They offer wisdom and direction for both the kids and youth ministries and help keep me in check when I have a bad idea, which is good.
But now I’m stepping into a role that I never thought I would. It’s an unexpected journey in my life. As you may have heard by now, I have been voted as the new senior pastor. First of all, thank you for your confidence in me to fill this role here at RCC. I’m excited about this opportunity to serve the church. I’m grateful to the elders for letting me continue to lead and teach the kids and youth. The elders asked me to seriously pray and consider taking the position at the beginning of September after I initially turned it down back in May, so I did. I had many conversations with ministry friends of mine that offered me great insights on leading a church. I had many questions and concerns about my ability to lead, and those friends calmed those worries I had and offered support whenever I need it. I’m also grateful not only to the elders, but to the youth and kids ministry leaders for offering help if I need it, as I take on a bigger role of leadership.
I never thought at this point in my life that I would be a senior pastor. However, as I’ve learned, our plans are not always God’s plans. There are so many stories in the Bible of people’s lives getting interrupted for a divine plan that God has for the world. From Abraham to Moses to Gideon to David, and on down the line. But I can trust, and we can trust, that God’s plans are always better than our own. All we need to do is follow Him, and He won’t lead us astray. After all, God took Abraham, an old farmer, and turned him into a great nation. He took Moses, a runaway murderer, and turned him into one of the greatest prophets of all time. He took Gideon, a boy threshing wheat, and turned him into a soldier and leader for Israel. And He took David, a young shepherd, and turned him into the greatest king in the history of Israel. While I’m not putting myself into their category, I am trusting that God has great plans for RCC and its future.
I don’t know what the future holds for RCC, but I know that as long as we follow God, it will be good. As Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I plan to keep loving God and let Him take charge of our future, and we’ll see what good He has in store for us.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Love You
Marty
