A Pastor’s Prayer – Embracing the Call
Twelve months ago, as I stood before our congregation during the installation service, I felt the weight of history and the promise of the future converging in that sacred moment. The sanctuary was filled with familiar faces. The passage from 1 John 4:7-21 that Erin preached on that night still rings in my ears today as I write this blog: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.” Those words weren’t just a scripture reading; they were a commissioning, a challenge—a call to embrace a ministry rooted in love.
Accepting the role of Senior Pastor at Fredericksburg Baptist Church was both an honor and a humbling challenge. Having grown up within these walls and served in youth and college ministry for nearly two decades, I knew the heartbeat of this congregation. Yet, stepping into this new role meant navigating uncharted waters.
I recall the days leading up to the installation, filled with prayer and introspection. Questions swirled in my mind: Could I honor the legacy that was built before me? Was I prepared to lead this church into its next chapter? Amidst these doubts, I found peace in the steady rhythm of God’s promises. The assurance that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18) became my anchor.
The song chosen for the service, “Last Song,” resonated deeply with me. Its lyrics speak of peace as an anchor in stormy times and hope running like an endless river. These images captured my prayer for our congregation—that we would find stability in God’s peace and be carried forward by a never ending hope.
During the service, as I looked out at the congregation, I saw not just faces but stories—each person representing a unique journey of faith. There were those who had known me since childhood, who had watched me grow and had been instrumental in shaping my path. There were new faces, individuals and families who had joined our community more recently, bringing fresh perspectives and energy.
Embracing the call to pastor this church meant committing to serve each of these individuals, to walk alongside them in their joys and struggles, and to seek God’s direction for our collective future. It meant acknowledging the responsibility of shepherding a congregation through times of change and continuity.
Over the past year, I’ve learned that embracing the call is not a one-time decision but a daily act of surrender. It involves listening attentively to God’s voice, seeking wisdom, and being willing to step out in faith even when the way forward isn’t entirely clear. There have been moments of deep fulfillment—seeing lives transformed, witnessing acts of generosity and compassion, and experiencing the palpable presence of God in our midst. There have also been challenges—navigating differing opinions, addressing unexpected crises, and confronting my own limitations.
In all of this, the words of 1 John have served as a constant reminder: “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them” (1 John 4:16). This abiding love is the foundation upon which we build our ministry and community. It’s a love that transcends disagreements, that heals wounds, and that propels us toward greater unity and purpose.
As I continue to embrace this calling, my prayer is that we, as a church family, will deepen our commitment to love—love for God, for one another, and for the world around us. May we be known not by our programs or buildings but by the genuine care we show to all who cross our paths. Together, I pray we step boldly into the future, confident that the One who calls us is faithful.