Natalie and I have been blessed not to have to be the “new” pastor very often. Not counting my first student appointment, Grace Resurrection is only the fourth church we’ve pastored. You’re hearing that correctly-I’ve always considered Natalie my partner and greatest support. I tell people that after a while, the congregation stops liking me, but they keep me because they don’t want to lose Natalie! She ministers as much as I do and is a gifted prayer warrior. She won’t tell you the stories of her encounters with Christ because she’s too humble, but if you can get it out of her, you’ll be mesmerized.
I’ve had a good “career” in ministry. With the help of many much smarter than I, it has been a path of great blessings and fruitfulness. I heard Bishop Al Gwinn tell a story once about the turtle on the fencepost. When a farmer plows his field, he has to make sure he looks out for turtles. Even with his heavy machinery, if he were to run over a turtle, its hard shell could dull or even break his equipment. So, when a farmer comes across a turtle in his field, rather than run it over, he’ll pick it up and carry it to the top of the nearest fencepost. If the farmer positions the turtle correctly, the turtle won’t be able to get off, and the farmer can continue with his work. The point is, if you ever see a turtle on top of a fencepost, you know one thing for sure: he didn’t get there by himself.
As the new pastor of Grace Resurrection, one thing is for sure (more than you’ll ever know): I didn’t get here by myself. This is an unusual appointment. The Bishop didn’t send me. A District Superintendent didn’t try to sell me on it! I was interviewed, tested, prayed with, and vetted closely. Then, the members voted. It was 97%. My Baptist colleagues tell me that’s pretty good. I’m looking for that 3% and planning to take them a loaf of Natalie’s famous banana bread at some point. That will win them over!
But I’m a blessed, blessed man. I’m leading a new church plant-a dream I thought I’d never see come to fruition. As Natalie knows, I GET to work with Dr. Randy Mickler and a group of gracious, generous people. Thanks to all who set me on this fencepost. The view is amazing.
~Rev. James Williams