Transparency from the heart of a pastor

30 Years!

On Sunday, July 21, 1996, I had no idea that would be the beginning of something. My home church had asked me to take over as music director at the age of 15. Our music director was just diagnosed with terminal bone cancer and would die just weeks later. He resigned, and I had already been filling the role. The board voted, and I began 30 years ago today.

When that happened, I never imagined still being in vocational ministry 30 years later. I expected to be a band director in a school or some kind of musician outside the church. Thirty years later, I’m a pastor.

Today, I celebrate with humility. God could have used anyone, but He chose to use me. He knows the worst of me, yet He works in and through me what I cannot do. The devil tried his hardest to derail me, but God is greater!

3 responses to “30 Years!”

  1. 30 years ago, a couple years younger than you, I was still anti-religion, especially Chrostianity. This coming holiday season will be 26 years I suggested a youth elder board to get mature youth involved in decision-making for the ministry. The leaders nominated me as the first, and felt I had to remind them that, as a less-than-1-year-old Christian (January 9, 2000), I fell under Paul’s restriction of not being a new believer. However, I am one of those who tends to go all-in when I believe in something, so I was already one of the most mature Christians, and they pointed out that I already knew Paul’s instructions for elders as well as so many other things. I also said I was still coming to terms with a calling to ministry, so maybe it should wait. Today, I am effectively an executive pastor who is developing elders, deacons, and other mature Christians.
    Weird.
    And congrats on 30 years! I am only a little over 4 years away! Keep walking!

    1. I love this testimony and what God is doing in and through you! Praise God we get to serve Him in separate parts of His vineyard!

      1. Amen!

Leave a Reply

Who's the Coach?

Ben Ruiz Oatts is the insightful mastermind behind this coaching platform. Focused on personal and professional development, Ben offers fantastic coaching programs that bring experience and expertise to life.

Get weekly insights

We know that life's challenges are unique and complex for everyone. Coaching is here to help you find yourself and realize your full potential.

We know that life's challenges are unique and complex for everyone. Coaching is here to help you find yourself and realize your full potential.

Discover more from Pastor Matthew Winters

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading