Just a few years ago when we moved to Princeton I was
finishing an 18-month interim at The Oaks in Grand Prairie. Through a neighbor I learned of an older
struggling rural church just around the corner from our new home; Culleoka
Baptist Church (CBC). I agreed to preach
for them for a few weeks as they sought to secure a pastor, but a few weeks
turned into a few months and a few months turned into a few years…and oh what
an adventure! We have made some
wonderful friends and seen God work in some amazing ways. When we started I could not have ever
imagined what was in store for us at this country congregation. I have learned so much about depending on God
and waiting on Him to provide for His Church...and now when I say "His Church" I really mean "HIS Church."
Upon beginning at CBC I discovered that they had been
through a bad split and had not had a long-term pastor for quite sometime. The first Sunday I preached there were about 15
adults, with the median age being around 65. Without getting into too many details, there
were some major trust issues, conflicting power struggles and serious financial
woes. The treasurer at that time
estimated that they would have had to shut the doors and sell the building
within a month or two if things did not turn around.
Considering my work demands, the pursuit of my DMin, and the
time restraints of being a husband and father of four, the very idea of
attempting to lead a fellowship through a turbulent time was unthinkable. I suspect that is why things unfolded in the
manner that they did. Never did I sit
down and decide, “I think I’m going to lead this church through this difficult
time.” I do not believe I would have
ever taken that step because it would have been too much of a demand on my
family. However, I could commit to preach
for the church when I was available. So,
that is all I agreed to do…and that is what I continue to do.
So, what about leading?!
Who is in charge? Has anyone
committed to “pastoring” the church and leading through this time? Not really, no. At least no one has officially stepped
forward and said, “I will lead this church!”
Yet, the church has grown by 40%, renovated its dilapidated building,
started a children’s and youth ministry, hired four part time ministers, a building manager and a
nursery worker, started several ministries to reach the surrounding community,
and there’s still money in the bank to do more ministry. So, who did all that if there is no
established leader? God did. He is the HEAD of this church and that is not
just something we SAY, it is something we’ve SEEN.
He found us a great youth minister. He found us a great children’s worker. He sent us money. He gave us, not one but two, digital signs (free of charge). He found us a nursery worker. He sent us great worship leaders. He sent us workers with the vision for
reaching our community. He has done it
all. I know it wasn’t me. I was too busy working at the BGCT, getting a
doctorate and raising four kids. Like
everyone else at this church, I had to depend on God and what do you
know!? He is a better at leading His
church than any of us! Go figure!
Had I been confronted with the decision to help lead this
church through a turn around I would have run the other way and God knew it. He had to take whatever weak gifts I could
bring to the table and teach me to trust Him with HIS Church. What a journey. I am really looking forward to seeing what
else He has in store for this sweet and growing fellowship of believers in Culleoka Texas!
