The First 20 Years
Twenty years ago today, February 15, 2005, I step through the doors at 6124 Plum Street as the new pastor of First Baptist Watauga. It was late on a Tuesday morning. I had preached my last sermon at May First Baptist on the 13th and it seemed appropriate to begin my official first day exactly half way through the month.
The First Day
My first duty was to meet with the Transition Team that had helped the church through a difficult interim period (if my memory is correct that was Jimmy, Richard, and Tim). I only remember a few highlights from that first day. After meeting with those key leaders, I enjoyed dinner with my good friend Deron Biles and his family that evening. I asked Deron during dinner if there was a key person that I might visit that night outside of the leaders I’d already met. He suggested I get to know Dennis Serratt. So, I ended that first day with a wonderful day developing a new friendship with a special person who has become a partner in most every aspect of ministry.
Since that day, the Lord has taken us on a wonderful, sometimes, winding journey. Susan has suggested that my first official day was the 20th since that’s when I preached my first sermon as the “preacher” of my new church. I believe however that my calling is to pastor the church – not just preach! That’s why I consider Tuesday the 15th as the start of this new journey.
Many great memories come from those early days. I immediately got to work alongside a wonderful young man named Eric Costanzo. Jaye Biles had launched a choir in the interim and the Lord led her to be our worship leader for the first several years of my pastorate here. Miss Elaine, Zack, Kevin, PM, and many others have brought joy in the early years of this journey.
One story helps sum up this wonderful church family
Because I began this new role in the middle of February, Susan and the girls remained in May during the week to finish out the school year. Susan was teaching special education while Kari, Kelsey, and Libbie all attended school. I would stay at Watauga during the week and they would join me on weekends. Our oldest daughter, Katie, had passed away on July 1st the previous year. Her passing coupled with the dramatic change including moving to the city, a new home, and changing churches put tremendous stress on our family.
In early April, I remember speaking with Susan about a difficult situation one of our girls was facing. I returned home early in the week to help them. During that time, the deacons for FBC Watauga called a meeting. I remember getting a phone call from the Deacon Chairman after late that evening that initially worried me. If you’re a pastor, you can imagine getting that call immediately following a deacon’s meeting while you were out of town – a meeting you had just missed and in the first couple months of your ministry at the church.
Thankfully, it wasn’t “that kind of call.” In fact, it was quite the opposite. I was told by the chairman that the deacons wanted me to take as much time as necessary over the next two months to care for my family. “Your family is most important. You’ve already accomplished more here that we expected in a year. Take care of your wife and girls during the week. We’ll see you on the weekend. Once school is over, you’ll be here full time.” I began to weep on the phone and had a hard time stopping when I got off. They loved me and loved my family. I was overwhelmed with gratitude.
God’s Healing
I had been greatly blessed by my deacons, church family, and the community of May, TX. It was uncomfortable to leave that all behind when the Lord called us to Watauga. The love shown by the deacon body of Watauga FBC in those early days was a wonderful comfort and encouragement as we began this new journey still grieving and trying to heal from our deep loss.
Onward
Tomorrow I begin the 21st year as the pastor at First Baptist Watauga. I rejoice in the Lord’s healing and help. I rejoice that I have the privilege of serving Him and pointing every day to the Great Shepherd of my soul and head of this church. What a privilege it is to serve such a great Lord alongside such wonderful people.