Legacy of Leadership – A Father’s Example
As I sit and shift in my office, trying to land in a comfortable place —a space for contemplation and prayer for decades—I am surrounded by the echoes of wisdom and the whispers of countless conversations that have shaped our congregation. It’s been a little over a year since I stepped into the role of Pastor at Fredericksburg Baptist Church, a place that is as much a part of me as the very breath in my lungs. This church is not where I took my first steps physically but I sure did spiritually. It’s where I learned the hymns that still fill my soul and where I first felt the gentle nudge of a calling that would become my life’s work.
The weight of history is tangible here, not as a burden but as a tapestry of faithfulness and devotion. My father, who served as the Senior Pastor for 40 years and was on staff for 42, dedicated his life to shepherding this church community. His tenure—the longest in our church’s history—is a testament to his commitment and the deep roots he planted in this community. As I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this moment, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the legacy he has left and the path he has paved.
Growing up as the Pastor’s son in a church like ours was a unique experience—one filled with both extraordinary blessings and unique challenges. From an early age, I was immersed in the rhythms of church life. Sundays were not just days of worship but gatherings of extended family. The congregation wasn’t just a group of parishioners; they were my mentors, my friends, my extended family. I learned the stories of the Bible not just in Sunday School but around the table, where theological discussions were as common as passing the mashed potatoes.
My father was a person of deep faith and quiet strength. He led not with grand gestures but with consistent acts of love and service. I remember countless evenings when he would return home late, sensed him feeling weary but his spirit undiminished, after spending hours at the bedside of a sick church member or counseling someone through a personal crisis. His ministry was incarnational; he believed in being present, in embodying the love of Christ through tangible actions.
As I grew older, I watched him navigate the challenges that come with leading a church. There were moments of joy—baptisms, weddings, the welcoming of new members—and moments of sorrow—funerals, conflicts, times of uncertainty. Through it all, he remained steadfast, guided by a faith that was unshakeable. He taught me that leadership is not about exerting power but about serving with humility.
When I felt the call to ministry, particularly to work with youth and college students, my mother became my greatest supporter. She understood that every generation brings fresh energy, unique questions, and new perspectives to the church. She encouraged me to engage with young people in ways that were both authentic and relevant—to meet them where they were and help them see how their faith could shape every aspect of their lives. She has embodied this approach almost every Sunday, continuing to make an impact on young people’s lives.
My mother has been a dedicated leader in youth ministry, teaching Sunday School for as long as I can remember. Her spirit of service and her deep love for helping young people discover the stories of the Bible and the boundless love that God has for them remain a constant source of inspiration to me.
Serving as the Minister with Youth and College Students for nearly 19 years was both a joy and a privilege. It allowed me to walk alongside young people during some of the most formative years of their lives. I witnessed their struggles and triumphs, their doubts and discoveries. Together, we explored what it means to live out our faith in a complex and ever-changing world.
Now, stepping into the role of Senior Pastor, I carry with me the lessons learned from my parents, the countless leaders throughout my life and from those two decades of ministry. The legacy I inherit is rich and multifaceted. It’s a legacy of love—a love for God, for God’s people, and for this community. It’s a legacy of service—of rolling up our sleeves and getting involved in the messy, beautiful work of ministry. And it’s a legacy of faithfulness—of trusting in God’s guidance even when the path isn’t clear.
As I navigate this new chapter, I am reminded of the words from 1 John 4:7-21, the scripture that was read at my installation service: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” This passage encapsulates the heart of my ministry and the vision I have for our church—a community rooted in love, extending grace, and committed to serving others.
The question that guides me is not “How can I fill shoes of those that have come before me?” but rather “How can I walk alongside this congregation in the journey God has for us now?” I believe the answer lies in embracing the legacy while also being open to the new things God is doing in and through us. Together, we can honor the past, live fully in the present, and step boldly into the future.