I have served full-time in ministry for 27 years and have zero regrets even though the road got rocky along the way. Its been a roller coaster ride with fast turns, highs with dramatic falls, and sometimes seemingly out of control at times. But God had a plan as he always does in my life and depicted by the picture on the left you can see where I ended up.
Today September 11, 2022 I am celebrating 5 years on staff at First Baptist Burleson. My first day was like yesterday to me, so vivid but very anxious. In an instant I was welcomed and valued as a team player. I have to admit I was so nervous staring a new position after a year sabbatical. Can I still perform? Are my skills still sharp and honed? Will I fit in?
Never in my wildest dreams did I see this coming but should have known God would do this. He placed me in the perfect position, at the perfect time, in the perfect location, and with the perfect staff. What you can't see in that picture is that God chose each person on that staff one-by-one to mentor me. Each one has a certain attribute that I needed to be around and to learn from. That's what made it the perfect staff for me. Now look a little closer...that picture was taken at the pastors house while he was out of town. We were at an all staff lunch outing and decided to stop by and snap this fun picture in his living room then we sent it to him. He was petrified! Not really.
What has happened over the past 5 years are these people have made me a better man, encouraged me, loved me, cared for me, loved my wife and family, prayed for me, supported me, accepted me as is, respected me, taught me, mentored me, and became my dear friend. It's called a healthy culture and it works. Our staff are people who can't wait to get to work every day and be around each other and do ministry. We have a stated and working mission, vision, strategy, and core values that give us Gods plan to carry out. It's been pure joy to serve here for the past 5 years.
So, I am not just celebrating my 5 year anniversary, I am celebrating God's plan, friendships for life, the fun times, the journey getting to this place, and getting to meet these people. I always say that for each church I have served it has been a blessing getting to meet new people. Here's to another 5 years...
Rick
