Welcome to runningwithgod.org. In the weeks ahead I hope to engage you in dialog in a way that is mutually beneficial. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for blogging material in messages I share, books I read, ministries we’re developing, ideas I’m wrestling with, and images that capture my imagination.
As most of you know, I became the Interim Senior Pastor of South Park Church at the beginning of February. As I enter this new stage of the race God has marked out for me, I thought it would be helpful to reflect on how I got here.
In 2003, Becky and I were in Chicago for my first marathon. The day after the race, we visited my alma mater, Trinity International University, in Deerfield. We discovered a great program that would allow Becky to complete her degree. On the trip home, we decided to begin preparations for a move.
At the time I was serving as the pastor of a church plant in Bryan, OH (home to the manufacturers of Dum Dum suckers and Etch-a-Sketch). We announced to our church family that we would be leaving and began our search for a pastoral position in Chicagoland. Several weeks of effort produced no solid options.
Then one of the couples from our church traveled to Chicago for a visit. When they attended Phantom of the Opera, they struck up a conversation with the people next to them. It was announced that the Floods were moving to Chicago with no definite plans for employment. The other couple remarked that their church had an opening on their staff. Phone numbers were exchanged and passed along to me.
I was astounded to read that Ron and Carma had met John Walton. I had read one of Dr. Walton’s textbooks in college and was currently using a second textbook of his to teach an online class. I wasted no time in calling. A few weeks later we found ourselves unpacking boxes in Park Ridge. That was July of 2004.
It is rather ironic that the role I accepted was that of INTERIM associate pastor. I held that title for over a year before the interim part was dropped. Now it has found its way back into my life. Yet I am very grateful to be running this race with you. The experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve developed in the last 4 ½ years have been great training to serve in my current role. And I’m sensing God’s pleasure in many ways.
Thank you for opening your hearts to our family. Please join us in prayer as we seek God’s direction for the next chapter of our lives and the life of our church.
For some photos of the 2007 Chicago Marathon and 2008 Boston Marathon, go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=14062&id=1068602818
To learn more about Ryan Hall, the fastest American born marathoner ever and an authentic follower of Jesus, go to http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e593f8eba239bada1a0c
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