2019: The Year in Review
As I look back over the past year, I’m amazed at how significant this year was. A lot of major things took place.
Family
I will start with family. This year was important for Amanda and I as we had the opportunity to work together for the entire year at Queen Street Baptist Church. Amanda came on staff with a focus on outreach. It was enjoyable to watch her grow in her gifts, both in preaching and working with our downtown community. She is a talented pastor.
It was also an important year for our children. Logan became our first adult child, as he turned eighteen. Justus became our third teenager. This is a new chapter for us as with Logan and Abby we didn’t really experience the typical teenage years. With Justus, Emma and Faith, we get to see the transition from childhood to adulthood in a different way. Justus continued in Army Cadets and Emma joined this year as well. That has been very positive.
One last but important family matter. After experiencing fifty years as an only child, this year I discovered that I have a half-brother. We have not met yet, but we have been in contact.
Work
On the work side, this year was my fourth as pastor at Queen Street Baptist Church. I am really enjoying my ministry here and I feel fully welcomed by this congregation.
A big step came in June when I became one of the chaplains with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. I always felt a link to this regiment, having passed by their armoury countless times growing up in St Catharines. I had enjoined my time with the Lorne Scots but it has been great to be involved more locally. So far it has been a very positive experience.
I was able to teach two courses at Tyndale University College. I taught one course on Family Ministry and another on Romans. I have loved my time teaching at Tyndale but have decided to take a break. I’m going to be focusing my time on the church and the regiment.
Education
My education over the past number of years has been full of ups and downs. Quite a while ago (back when I was still in Meaford) I started in the Doctor of Ministry program at Acadia Divinity College. However, I began to stumble in my thesis for various reasons. I actually made the decision to drop out. But after some prayer and reflection, I decided to continue but with a complete start over with my thesis. My thesis is now on disability ministry for small churches. It is going well as this fits well with what I’m currently passionate about.
This past year has been very eventful. There have been some difficult moments but generally it has been a good year. I’m looking forward to what 2020 holds.
