I Can't

As I look ahead to this Thursday nights' ordination service, I find myself thinking about when I first began to feel the call of ministry on my life sometime during the latter part of 2000.  I've been thinking about how I felt about not being saved too long, not growing up in a church, not knowing all the worship songs, not having any public speaking experience, no post high school education, etc.  Needless to say, I had a ton of excuses and it never really hit me until the fall of 2005 when my pastor at the time at New Hope Assembly of God in Lancaster, asked me to consider coming on as youth pastor.  My first thought was "I Can't" and  those thoughts from 5 years earlier started to re-surface and it wasn't long after that God was telling me, "Good, then you will let me do it through you".  Those similar thoughts came as I saw things begin to fall in place for me at Velocity Church.  How can I be lead pastor, I've never put a church budget together, I've never been in a board meeting (except to inform them I was leaving Tiffin), I am only used to preaching on a Sunday morning once a month, etc.  You know, those thoughts weren't around too long as I remembered that what God told me in 2005, is still true in 2011 and for the rest of my life.  So when you find yourself in a situation like this, remember, God will do it through you.


2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Settling In

It has been a little more than a week since my last blog.  That tells me, I have been extremely busy.  It has been quite the transition from associate pastor to lead pastor.  I am beginning to realize the responsibility that God has given me more and more each day as I walk in the role of lead pastor.  However, I must say, I am doing my best to enjoy every moment of it.  My hope is that as I continue "Settling In", that I would grow more and more each day and realize that it is about Him and not me.


Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

My Wife

Today, I can't help but think about Amy, and as I do, I can't help but think great things.  She and I married only 11 months after our first date.  Some people thought it was too soon, we knew it was God's plan for the both of us.  Of course, we didn't know that we would some day live the crazy, yet rewarding life of full time ministry.  Amy has never once mentioned wanting to leave the ministry or walk away from a church, she is committed to the core.  She has encouraged me time and time again when I felt things were getting too crazy or when I couldn't see the point in doing something.  She is the love of my life, for my whole life.  I am who I am today, in part, because of the woman I married on April 6, 2002.    If I had to do it all over again, I would...over and over again.  "My Wife" truly is a good gift from God.

Proverbs 31:12 (NLT) She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

First Sunday

Well, I am at home putting the final touches on tomorrow's message.  It will be a message about my vision for a two week emphasis called "just One". We will kick this off on Easter Sunday and come back to part two on May 1.  I am very excited about leading the people in to what will double up as not only an Easter outreach opportunity, but the launch service for Velocity Church.  God is laying some things on my heart that I pray come across to the people and they share in the excitement.  Tomorrow, being my "First Sunday" as lead pastor, is the start of something great for me and the amazing congregation of Velocity Church.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

New Diggs

Well, today I write this blog sitting behind my new desk in my new office.  It is a little strange to be at another church, in a different office and to be in a role as lead pastor.  I think that now, it is beginning to sink in that with the "New Diggs" comes added responsibility, greater risk, and a greater desire to not mess up.  I am just glad that God knows way more than I do.  When I'm weak, He is strong; when I have no clue, He has it all figured out.  So, as I go forward as Lead Pastor of Velocity Church, my desire is to look to God in ALL things and help lead people forward in their faith in God.

1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV) "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength."

See You Later

Today was our last Sunday at New Beginnings Assembly of God in Tiffin, Ohio.  I have been the associate pastor for nearly 4 years.  We have impacted several people with the Gospel of Christ and our lives have been impacted by many people as well.  It was definitely a day of celebration and that makes this transition a little easier.  I will now move on to Velocity Church as lead pastor but I will never forget New Beginnings AG or Invincible Student Ministries.  As a matter of fact, this blog will help me with that.  I was dubbed "PBS" by Dana and then it caught like wild fire and all the students of ISM and many adults call me PBS on a regular basis.  By calling this blog "Thoughts From PBS", I am sure to always make sure that today is not good bye but "See You Later."

Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way

Final Friday

Today is my final Friday in the office at New Beginnings Assembly of God.  For nearly four years now, I have been honored to serve as Associate Pastor of this church and leader of Invincible Student Ministries. I know that all that has happened in my life, the life of my family, and with every person I have had the opportunity to minister to, has been part of God's plan. As a believer (leave the pastor part out), I try not to sweat the small things.  I would love to say that I have the faith that doesn't allow the "big" things get to me either, but that isn't the case.  However, I do acknowledge in every aspect of my life, God is in control.  Whatever you are going through today big or small, just know that God is in control, so that when your "Final Friday" (or any day) comes, you can know that with God's help, you did things the best you could.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.