It has been a whirlwind of activity since I stepped into the position of Regional Director for the Mesa Verde and Uncompahgre Baptist Associations. There have been meetings, trainings, more meetings and more trainings. At times I felt like I was drinking from a fire hose and I am positive I sat with a look on my face at times that said, “What have I done?” Since July 1, 2022 I have traveled over 5000 miles. And I would not trade it for anything!
I get asked all the time, having spent 12 years as the pastor of Nucla First Baptist Church, if I miss the pastorate. All I can say is no. God has transitioned my wife Tracy and I in such an amazing way that there has never been a doubt in our minds that this was the right move for us.
A few weeks ago, I was asked if there had been a moment when I regretted taking this position. All I can say is the good things over the last 4 months have far outweighed any bad and I am excited to be collaborating with other Regional Directors, with our Colorado Baptists staff, with associations, pastors and churches for greater Gospel advancement. I am excited to see what God has in store for us in the future.
My prayer is that Colorado Baptist churches will see how much better we can be together, working as partners in the Gospel to reach a lost and dying world. I hope our churches will join us in this.
The Regional Director position is much needed across our state. Pastors feel alone and isolated and churches feel like no one cares about them. As Tracy and I have traveled we have been blessed to meet with pastors (and wives) in churches across our region and let them know that we care and we want to serve them in any way we can. One of the greatest things to see is the glimmer of hope come back into our churches when they see we truly are here for them. These are churches who have felt like they were on their own to fight this battle. I hope and pray that all Colorado Baptists churches will come to realize that every church in our state matters.
In the short time we have served the CBGC in this role we have seen some great collaboration between churches and between Regional Directors. The Regional Directors are working closely with each other, sharing ideas, sharing processes, mentoring and praying for each other. Churches are reaching out to each other sharing resources and tools. Pastors are reaching out to pastor-less churches and helping them in their transition process.
In John 17 Jesus prays for unity among the believers. We may not agree with every single thing another church in our association or region or state does, but we are all unified on the Gospel. As a Regional Director I want to be able to cultivate that unity. To bring our churches together, on mission for Jesus. To make sure our churches, pastors and their wives are healthy. More important than anything, I want to follow God where He is leading and I believe God has gone before us in this and we will be obedient to follow.
My prayer is that Colorado Baptist churches will see how much better we can be together, working as partners in the Gospel to reach a lost and dying world. I hope our churches will join us in this.
