Pastor Jeff has lived as a pastor for 33 years (June 17th, 1992 was his ordination).  Coincidentally, that’s the most commonly estimated amount of time Jesus lived as a human before His death and resurrection.  It’s wild to think back to all of the changes in my life that are related in some way to God’s work through Pastor Jeff and this congregation.  We would love to hear the stories you have as well.  But today, the staff thought it would be interesting to get some perspective from Pastor Jeff, so we asked him to consider what he has learned in 33 years of ministry.

IDENTITY & FOUNDATION

1. I am forgiven. In Jesus, I am loved, no matter what. This unshakable truth is the foundation of lasting peace—peace that no circumstance can steal.
2. Following Jesus is the path Everything else is a detour.
3. God’s Word never runs dry Return to the Source again and again.
4. We are co-creators with God God invites us into the sacred work of renewal and calls us to help others embrace that same creative purpose.
5. Legacy is built in the little, faithful yeses Daily obedience shapes eternal impact.

LEADERSHIP & CHALLENGE

6. People cling tightly to personal preferences Leading others to choose God’s will over their own wants is often the hardest part of ministry.
7. You can’t lead what you don’t live Integrity is the true authority.
8. Vulnerability can cost you Truth-telling has a price.
9. Vulnerability encourages others And yet, it’s always worth it.
10. Clarity isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline Confusion paralyzes; clarity moves.
11. It’s easy to get lost Distraction is subtle; recalibration is essential.
12. It takes relentless focus to stay on track Drift is natural, intentionality is not.
13. Metrics must reflect movement If you want Kingdom impact, track what leads to transformation, not just what’s easy to count.
14. Not all metrics matter equally What we measure reveals what we value. Measure mission, not just maintenance.
15. Space to breathe is essential Busyness is not the same as faithfulness.

MISSION & VISION

16. Mission must be clear Without a compass, passion dissipates, and preferences rule.
17. Vision must be tangible and exhilarating If people can’t see it, they won’t chase it.
18. Singular focus expands Narrow your focus, widen your impact.
19. Stories fuel momentum Transformation spreads through testimony.
20. Neighboring is fun Mission is a joy, not just a job.
21. God speaks through context There is no generic church or generic mission.
22. Being sent is success Release is the goal, not retention.

FORMATION & TRANSFORMATION

23. Healing happens in sacred company When friends walk with you, even your wounds become places of grace.
24. Your inner voices aren’t enemies, they’re advisors needing guidance Self-leadership begins with self-awareness.
25. Curiosity disarms defensiveness Ask more. Judge less.
26. Ministry without rest becomes performance Sabbath is sacred resistance.
27. Showing HOW matters as much as WHAT Discipleship is always demonstrated.
28. Nothing happens in a vacuum Every decision affects a system.
29. The enemy is real Stay alert, spiritual warfare is no metaphor.

COMPANIONSHIP & CALLING

30. Teammates are life-giving Ministry is a team sport.
31. Jesus-centered community transforms neighborhoods When we live as the Church, the neighborhood leans in.
32. My family is an amazing blessing Ministry begins at home.
33. I could not have walked this path without Amy Her love has been my shelter, strength, and joy.

Join us in praising God for His gift of pastors and their families, especially today for Pastor Jeff, Amy, and their whole family.  Pray for continued blessing, protection, and provision for them. And as you think about how God has blessed you through Pastor Jeff and this ministry, please write it down and share (email it, drop it off at church, call and tell someone, etc.) the note so we can all be reminded and encouraged together.

(I’m blessed and proud to be able to say) Teammates,

Matt