One year ago Sunday, October 6, I was voted in as the pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Waycross. That day changed the course of my life and my family’s life.
The truth is, I was not looking to pastor. I wasn’t sending out resumes or seeking opportunities. But while I wasn’t looking, the Lord was working in ways that we now see and stand amazed by.
Two years ago, life became filled with uncertainty for me and my family. We were living in Tennessee, where my wife and I were born and raised. However, we had always loved South Georgia and visited here countless times because of family connections.
In September of 2023, God began an uprooting in our lives in a major way. We had both served at a ministry for over 20 years, but we strongly felt our time there was coming to an end. Around that same time, it looked as if an opportunity to pastor might be opening up. I was ready—or so I thought— for what seemed like the next step. But as quickly as that door seemed to be opening, God closed it. I did not know why then, but I know why now.
My dad passed away December 6—an unexpected loss that shook me deeply.
At the beginning of 2024, my family and I begin to pray more diligently about our future. We soon felt we had a “green light” from God to look toward South Georgia. The desire was strong. The pieces began to come together. We found a place to live in Blackshear. An opportunity came about to work at a local funeral home, and for a short time, that was the path. It was a blessing to be there, serving families in some of their hardest days. But while I was settling into that role, God was quietly preparing another. The call to pastor was about to approach me again, though I was not seeking it.
That is when Southside Baptist entered the picture. What began as a onetime preaching engagement, led to conversations and prayer, which soon turned into conviction and clarity. This church family voted October 6, 2024 to call me as pastor, and I knew this was God’s direction. I thought my path was one way, but the Lord had other plans. Proverbs 16:9 says it best: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”
Over the past couple of years, I have seen firsthand how true that verse is. We often map out our lives with our own plans, only to find that God’s way is different—and better. The disciples thought they would spend their lives fishing in Galilee, but Jesus called them to fish for men. Time and again, God takes people in one direction only to redirect them into His perfect plan.
Looking back, I can see how the Lord directed every step. Looking at the one-year mark of pastoring, I rejoice that I’ve seen God move in services, stir hearts through His Word, and strengthen and grow this church family. I’ve watched as prayers have been answered and people have been encouraged. What started with a vote one year ago has blossomed into a season of growth, blessing and renewed purpose—not because of me, but because of the Lord’s faithfulness.
Friend, that’s how God works. He often brings us through seasons of uncertainty, loss or waiting only to show us that He was leading all along. His plans don’t always match ours, but they are always better.
So, as I reflect on this one-year mark, I do so with gratitude. Gratitude to God, who led me to once again pastor, when I wasn’t even looking. Gratitude to Southside Baptist Church for loving and embracing me and my family. And gratitude for the reminder that the safest, most blessed place to be is not in our own plans, but in the Lord’s.
Where will the next year lead? I don’t know. But I know the One who holds tomorrow. Just as He directed my steps, He can be trusted to direct the years to come.
