2025 Ministry Reflections

It’s always a good practice to take time at the beginning of each year to look back on the previous year and see how God worked. When I made the job transition from full time church ministry to full time Christian education, I had no idea what things would be like. I knew enough to know it was the next step for me, but I also had a lot of questions. What would ministry look like? How would it be different, or the same as what I was used to? What kind of opportunities would God bring my way? How am I going to do with this transition?

The past two years have looked very different than the ten years prior in my ministry – my rhythms, schedule, the people I minister to and interact with, and much more. I can honestly say now though, that it feels natural and normal. What used to feel natural and normal ten years ago, has changed to a new natural and normal. It’s incredible that the Holy Spirit led our family to the transition, worked out all the details, and helped me settle in.

So, back to looking back…

Although this ministry season is different, it has still been incredible ministry. God has opened some doors that I never saw coming, and even closed some doors that I may have thought would open. I’m learning that He knows the opportunities that are best for me in each season, and He knows how much I should and shouldn’t take on. From the classroom to the pulpit, I’ve seen the same thing: people that need encouragement and hope in the Gospel.

God has allowed me to continue carrying out some of my ministry passions: teaching, preaching and writing. I thank Him for every opportunity, but I am also careful to remember that the point of all of these is for me to draw closer to Jesus and help others do the same. The opportunities are nothing without loving Christ and being with Him first, which I’m reminded of when I read Paul’s words to the Philippians:

“But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

With all of that being said, I look back and I thank God – not only for the opportunities, but for all I’ve learned from Him and others, and the seeds of the Gospel I’ve been able to plant into others.

Below are some ministry reflections from last year that I’m thankful for:

---

The Local Church:

• We stayed at our local church (Vintage) and serve and worship together often as a family. I still get to preach on occasion, and I started volunteering on the production team (something to mix it up, haha). I’ve even gotten to start bringing Camden with me to volunteer with our food outreach ministry on occasion. Being a church member right now has taught me a lot about what really matters. I’ve learned to worship and not be critical or distracted by things that don’t really matter.
• I’ve had the opportunity to preach at various churches on Sunday mornings. Most of these churches have pastors that I know personally and I was able to give them a break from the pulpit and also minister to them. Some churches don’t have a pastor, and I’ve been able to encourage the congregation that’s there with pulpit supply.
• I’ve also been able to teach and preach some at various student ministry settings at different local churches and ministries.

---

Christian Education:

• Some very important conversations have been had with lots of students in my 11-12 grade Bible classes. I’ve been able to be a safe place for them, to process hard things and questions they have about God.
• In my ELA classes, I’ve learned how to integrate the Bible more into our curriculum, and make space for ministry moments in our lessons.
• We’ve had some great guest speakers at our chapel services, and I’ve also had some great guest teachers in my classes that have poured into my students.
• Our FCA ministry has grown tremendously in both groups (7-9th grade and 10-12th grade). We also had the chance to hear from a new friend of mine, Daniel Ritchie, who was born without arms, at an FCA event in the Fall. His testimony really challenged everyone. We also had a packed out – fun time at Christmas caroling in December.
• I’ve been able to step in as an online Adjunct Professor for Leavell College, teaching occasional online classes to students that are walking through their call to ministry.

---

Writing:

• I’ve always loved writing for myself, but God has opened up doors for me to write throughout the year for various ministries including: Lifeway Men’s Ministry Devotional, The Gospel Project study for Lifeway Students, Church Devotional book for Lifeway Students, and the summer camp devotionals for Youth Conference Ministries. I also self – published my second book that came out last month. Wow! God has given me a lot of inspiration to keep writing.

---

So, looking back, I’m truly blown away. And this is just the vocational ministry side. My family can also look back and see God doing so many things to take care of us: we were able to renovate the inside of our home, my wife took a new position at work that is great for her, our son is growing and healthy, and much more! There have also been challenges this year, but God is still faithful.

My encouragement for you, is to take some time and write / type down all of the things that you may have taken for granted in the moment, but you know God’s hand was all over it! He is the giver of every good gift, as James says. But the most important thing is not that we seek the gifts, but that we seek the Giver of those gifts, Jesus.

I don’t know what this year holds for you or for me, but I know that God is good. And that’s enough. He knows what we need. Let’s walk with Him.

Grace and Peace to you in 2026!