Called to New Beginnings

The first time I visited Christ Church was in October 2012, after I started dating a woman named Dawn Hawkins, who would later become my wife. She had been a church member since 1997, served on numerous committees, and volunteered in nearly every ministry in the church. Her children were also very well connected in the congregation. It was clear how much this church meant to her. So, I needed a place to connect also. 

Dawn told me about Power Hours and Prayer Breakfast, two offerings by the church’s men’s ministry. Her first husband, Jeff Hawkins, battled cancer, and each week, the Men’s Prayer Breakfast would sign and send us a card to let us know we were being prayed for. That ministry was very special in her heart, so I knew I wanted to be a part of this! 

My first men’s event was Champions for Christ Breakfast hosted by Dr. Maxie Dunnam. He spoke that day, and somehow, I got matched to sit with Bro. Chris Carter at the event. It was the perfect start to forming a community at this new church. I couldn’t stay away and quickly became a regular at Power Hour and Prayer Breakfast. 

My involvement didn’t stop there, though. When Dawn and I were married, we started the Journey Sunday school class. Soon after that, I was brought onto staff at the church to work in the new Christ Church Global Ministry as an online pastor. Every Sunday during the livestream at 9:45 AM, I’d pop up to share the Gospel. 

Roughly a year later, I became the head of Safety and Security at Christ Church. I served in this role for more than five years and found more stability in my life through this position, my forming community in the church, and my marriage with Dawn. 

Attendance at Power Hour and Prayer Breakfast helped me form relationships with members I would’ve otherwise missed out on. It was a time to step away from the pressures of work and life to pray with other men and share our burdens. Even before coming to Christ Church, in my previous 17 years of pastoring, I always had a passion for Men’s Ministry. While I might minister to other men, I always felt like I was the real one being ministered to. Just before the COVID-19 shutdowns, Christ Church moved me out of security, and I was named the new Men’s Ministry Pastor. 

But this church poured me into me outside of pastoring. I served in the children’s, youth, and senior adult ministries. I also joined the Men’s Grill Team and participated in Christ Feeds. I’d eventually join the Care Ministries team and have the pleasure of serving communion and other facets of worship. Through these opportunities, I’ve gotten to know many of the church members and their families. Many friendships and bonds have been formed; some of those people are as close as my family to Dawn and me. 

It’s bittersweet to announce that I’ve been offered the Head Pastor position at New Beginnings Methodist Church in West Memphis, Arkansas. The congregation has boldly stepped away from the United Methodist Church and formed a new church. Since July 2023, I have been their interim pastor and was very grateful to accept their offer. Dawn and I are excited to see what God has in store for us at New Beginnings! 

But it has to be said, I’m going to miss Christ Church. You were more than a job to me. You were, and always will be, family first! You were there when Dawn’s first husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with cancer, grew sicker, and in his untimely passing. You were there to support her and her children. I know her deep appreciation for the church for showing up during that difficult time. 

But you didn’t stop your affection with Dawn when I joined this church. You openly accepted me, too. You accepted us when Dawn and I were married in Refuge (which we’ve been told is the only wedding ever performed in the space!). 

The relationships that we’ve built are lifelong. Serving at Christ Church for these past 10 years has been my absolute honor and privilege. Dawn and I are leaving a piece of our hearts at 4488 Poplar. We can’t even begin to express how much you’ve done for us over the last combined 30 years we’ve had at Christ Church. Thank you for every ounce of love and kindness you’ve shown us. 

As the cliche goes, this isn’t goodbye, just see you later. While we may be crossing the Mississippi River to follow God’s calling to serve, we’ll still make a few appearances at events. Plus, Dawn will still serve as VBS Director in the summer. 

We love you, Christ Church. Now we will go and make disciples of Jesus Christ….across the bridge!