One of the reasons I love my job here at ERLC is that our mission to equip the church to think through moral and ethical issues. I love the church, having grown up hearing the gospel preached, learning the hymns, and worshiping Christ every Sunday. I loved pastoring. I believe, with all my heart, that the most important meetings in the world happen on Sunday mornings when God’s people gather to say to themselves and to the world, “There is another King and another Kingdom.”
I also love public policy and I love cultural engagement. I always have. I began reading newspapers and political magazines when most other kids were doing what most other kids do. I love politics. I love the intersection between the gospel and the world. In my writing and my preaching and my speaking I’ve always tried to help connect the Scriptures to everyday life in a fallen world.
When we moved to Nashville, I gave up my pastorate in Illinois to work alongside Dr. Moore and the excellent team at ERLC. But I didn’t give up my role as a member of Christ’s body and as a churchman. When we landed here, we joined a wonderful, congregation, First Baptist Church of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, led by my friend, Andy Hale, a gifted and passionate preacher. I’m so grateful for this church and and their warm embrace of our family and the opportunities to serve the body of Christ. I learned and grew by sitting under Andy’s preaching.
A few months ago, I was approached by my good and godly friend, Daryl Crouch, pastor of a nearby church, Green Hill Church, a sister SBC congregation in Mt. Juliet. Daryl asked me if I’d consider serving Green Hill as a pastor of Teaching and Discipleship, in a way that would allow me to both continue my work at ERLC and also apply my gifts to this wonderful local church. Angela and I prayed about this and sought some council. We met with Daryl and his family and his team and we felt God was in this. We hated to leave First Baptist and the good people who have been so kind to us there, but after talking with Andy, we all felt God was in this move.
We have been members of Green Hill for several months, having transferred our membership, but we made it official on Sunday: I have joined their team as Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship. This limited role will allow me to help lead Green Hill and think through discipleship and theological education at the church level and be part of the wonderful team led by Daryl Crouch. Having seen him up close and personal these last few months, I’ve been impressed with Daryl’s passion for the gospel, great expository preaching, and shepherd’s heart.
God has been good to me, in allowing me to both work full-time in public policy and equipping the church for the ERLC and to be actively involved in a vibrant local church.