From Shepherding Two Flocks to Planting One Mission-Driven Church
Last week, we left our Southern Baptist church, and I stepped down from my role as senior pastor. After nearly five years, I realized I was effectively shepherding two congregations.
The first group was made up of people who had been in that church for 20–30 years—some longer than I’ve even been a Christian. Their instinct, understandably, was to protect what they had known for decades. The second group consisted of those who came to grow under my ministry—many of them thriving, eager, and ready after several years of solid theological foundation to step out and do the work of the ministry.
A pastor friend asked me whether the situation “blew up” or whether it was a slow burn. It was a slow burn. He understood the deeper heart issues within the leadership—issues that had quietly shaped the direction of the church for decades. A reform-minded pastor like me eventually stood in the way of that mission to preserve the past. Through a series of confidential circumstances, the Lord made it clear that the time had come. He led, and we followed.
November 30
Most Christians aren’t aware of the significance of this date—including me, until recently. November 30 marks the beginning of the Christian year. The cycle of Advent and the rhythm of the Christian calendar begin here. While many evangelical churches overlook this, traditions like Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Methodist churches observe it.
I don’t see this as prophetic, but I do take it as a providential encouragement. As we step into a new season, the Christian year begins as well. We may have left a Southern Baptist church and a leadership role, but we have not left the mission.
Acts, Theophilus, and the Ongoing Mission
Luke’s opening words in Acts have always struck me. His transition from the Gospel of Luke into the Acts of the Apostles feels almost like the beginning of a narrated story: “And so it began…”
Reading it makes me expect a matching closing statement—something like, “And thus end the acts of the apostles.” But Luke never writes such a conclusion.
Instead, Acts ends abruptly—right in the middle of Paul’s life. We never hear the verdict of his trial. We don’t learn what happened to many of the apostles. That omission is intentional. Luke writes to Theophilus—a disciple—and the implication is clear: the story isn’t over. Acts 29 is to be written by him, and by every disciple who comes after. The mission continues.
A New Beginning in Chipley
This week, on November 30, a small group of us here in Chipley, Florida, will take up that same mission as we begin meeting in our home as Grace Church. Lord willing, we will not only preach the Word but also put feet to the ground—doing the work of an evangelist, just as Paul charged Timothy.
And it is in Christ’s name, and for His glory, that we set our hearts and minds to the task. Amen.
