What Survives Me?
What Survives Me?
If only one thing survives beyond me, which one matters most?
I have a lot in motion right now. I am one of three lead pastors at a large, dynamic, growing church. I am building relationships internationally in the church leadership space. I am writing books, devotionals, connecting and consulting with leaders, developing leadership content. It is an exciting and humbling time in my life — I am more energetic and excited than ever to see the doors God is opening in and outside church circles. I am enthusiastically running at a high production level. All of it is a special segment of my life that I cherish.
Yet, if only one of those things could be my legacy, none of them would carry the weight of what I believe God created me to be.
I am an Empowering Shepherd. What is that? It is an identity that supersedes my titles, roles, and descriptors. It gives me two pillars to stand on. I want my legacy broken into two simple statements: Love God. Love Others. If doing both of those at the highest level is what people remember me for, then it was worth it.
Love God
I work with leaders who have a relationship with God and leaders who don't. I have never shied away from my beliefs. I am very clear that I love God more than anything, and I will not bend my convictions about who I believe He is and who He created me to be.
He called me into ministry when I was very young. I remember praying for six months over whether to pursue medicine or church work. Sitting in the last row of my Organic Chemistry classroom at the University of South Florida, I knew — distinctly — that I was supposed to be a pastor. Since that moment at seventeen, I've helped people take the next step toward God. Even when someone didn't choose to take that step, I never withheld the truth or the path that would lead them to Him. I have shared, laughed, cried, sat bewildered, and stood in total faith with people through nearly every imaginable challenge life can throw at someone.
I love the shepherd role — not because I have it all together, not even close, but because I know the joy of knowing who you are, whose you are, and what it means to use your gifts to honor Him. When I help people find the answer to those three things, their lives become more meaningful and filled with aligned purpose. I would not want anyone to think of me without knowing that my shepherd's heart was for pointing them toward the best path, toward the best result, with the One who created them.
Love Others
I started in children's ministry in Orlando before coming to the church in Tampa. For three and a half years in my early twenties, I learned how special it is to minister to children. They are so honest in how they approach God and express their love for Him. Watching a group of kids worship is still a thrill for me — they don't look around, hold back, or put on false fronts. They just sing, move, and jump in without reservation. I used to say, "I love seeing the lightbulb come on." When a child understands how God loves them and starts to walk that out, that's amazing. I had another phrase too: "There's no age requirement in the Bible." Both of those shaped how I approach people, of any age.
Over all these years, I still love seeing that lightbulb come on — for people of every age. I want to use my wisdom, experience, abilities, talents, influence, and authority to help people take their next steps once the light comes on. It's more rewarding to watch them get the credit than to try to earn it for myself. I never coached a sports team, but I imagine it's a similar feeling — working with leaders, teams, and groups to come together toward a goal, a transition, a next step. It's exciting and humbling. There are excellent men and women out there putting in the reps and seeing real results, and they deserve every bit of credit for their victories.
Sometimes, though, the victory is elusive. That's where I want to instill a sense of self-worth — the belief to get back up and keep going. I went through this recently with someone. In the end, a person close to the situation told me, "Thank you for believing in him." With tears in my eyes, I realized that meant more to me than any title I could have won. I want people to know: I see you, I value you, and I believe in you. Those three deposits, even after a loss, foster the courage to get up and find out what's next. If you've spent any time with me, I hope you know those three lenses apply to you. You are amazing.
What Survives Me
My love of God and love of others place God at the highest point in my life, and everyone else in the fullness of who God created them to be. If I can finish my life with both pillars strong and still growing, it will be a life well lived — one that impacted heaven and earth.
