Legacy of Leadership – Growing Up in Faith
The halls of Fredericksburg Baptist Church are more than familiar to me; they are sacred spaces where the milestones of my life are etched. Each corner holds a memory—the classroom where I learned about the heroes of faith, the fellowship hall where I attended potlucks filled with laughter and love, the sanctuary where I first felt the stirring of the Holy Spirit calling me deeper. Growing up within these walls was a gift that has shaped every aspect of who I am today.
As I reflect on my journey from a child in the pews to the Pastor behind the pulpit, I am struck by the intricate ways God weaves our stories. The path has been filled with twists and turns, joys and challenges, but through it all, the constant has been the unwavering support of this church community—a family bound not by blood but by a shared faith and commitment to one another.
My earliest memories of church are filled with wonder and warmth. I recall the gentle hum of voices singing hymns, the sunlight filtering through stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the wooden pews. Sunday mornings were a time of gathering, of being covered in a sense of belonging. The stories of Noah, Moses, and Esther weren’t just tales from ancient times; they were living narratives that taught me about courage, obedience, and trust in God.
The church was my playground and my classroom. I remember countless moments and activities that where creativity and faith collided in the best ways—crafts that told stories, songs that instilled truths, and games that taught us about teamwork and kindness. The adults in our church invested in us deeply. They weren’t just teachers; they were mentors and role models who took the time to know us individually.
As I entered my teenage years, the church became a sanctuary in a different sense. Adolescence brought with it the typical questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. In a world that often felt confusing and overwhelming, the church was a place of stability. The youth group became a tight-knit community where we could explore our faith openly. We grappled with tough questions about suffering, justice, and what it meant to live as a Christian in a secular world.
One of the most formative experiences during this time was participating in mission trips. Traveling to different communities, opened my eyes to the vastness of God’s creation and the diversity of God’s people. I learned that ministry isn’t about imposing our beliefs but about walking alongside others, sharing in their struggles and joys.
It was during one of these trips that I felt a clear call to ministry. We were gathered around, sharing stories of how we had seen God at work that week. As I listened to my peers express their experiences, I felt a stirring in my heart—a realization that God was inviting me into a deeper level of service.
After college, returning to Fredericksburg as the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) at Chancellor High School, I was eager to give back to the community that had given so much to me. Then after two years as the ATC at Chancellor, I had the privilege and honor to be called as the Minister with Youth and College Students, serving 19 years was some of the most rewarding of my life. Working with young people kept me grounded and continually reminded me of the importance of authenticity. They challenged me to stay relevant, to listen more than I spoke, and to create spaces where they could encounter God in meaningful ways.
We navigated significant cultural shifts together—the rise of social media, increasing societal pressures, and a world that seemed to change at lightning speed. Through retreats, service projects, and countless late-night conversations, we explored what it meant to live out our faith in practical ways. We tackled issues of social justice, environmental stewardship, and mental health, always seeking to align our actions with the teachings of Jesus.
One of the greatest joys was witnessing the growth and transformation of these young people. Seeing them step into leadership roles, pursue their passions, and develop a faith that was deeply personal was incredibly fulfilling. Many have gone on to become educators, healthcare workers, artists, and even ministers themselves. Knowing that our time together had a lasting impact fills me with immense gratitude.
As I transition into the role of Pastor, I carry with me the lessons learned from those years. I am reminded that the church is a living organism—a dynamic community that must adapt and grow while staying rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s love. The experiences of my youth have instilled in me a commitment to fostering intergenerational connections. I believe that every age group has something valuable to contribute and that we are strongest when we learn from one another.
The passage from 1 John 4:7-21, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” This encapsulates the heart of our mission as a church. It’s not about programs or buildings, but about embodying God’s love in tangible ways.
I am excited about the future of Fredericksburg Baptist Church. We have a rich heritage to honor and a vibrant path ahead. My prayer is that we continue to be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to grow in their faith. Together, we can build upon the foundation laid by those before us, embracing new opportunities to serve and to share the hope we have in Christ.