Hello, Centennial ARPC! This is Jeremiah. Where should I begin? I have so many things I want to tell y’all, and I have so many things I want to ask. For now, let’s start with a few big picture things that might help y’all know me better. Here are three things: Rebekah, my style of leadership, and my style of “open door” ministry.
First, and most importantly, let me tell you about Rebekah. Rebekah is my high school sweetheart and now my wife. We dated for 8 years and have been married for 4 more. We’ve watched each other mature from children to adults, shared the most difficult of things together, and laughed so hard we almost had to call an ambulance. She is my best and most beautiful friend! And in all of that, she has been God’s precious gift to me. I shout with Adam, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen. 3:23a). Rebekah is my first calling. I seek to love her as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25). It’s like a wise minister once told me, how do you think you can sacrifice for and serve the church if you can’t (or won’t) do the same for your wife?
Second, I try as best as possible to lead by way of service. My goal in service is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). My hope in the coming months and years is to continue the work of Centennial ARPC rather than change it. All I want to do is serve as best I can. If you hear me say it once, you’ll hear me say it a hundred times: maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses. As I get to know each of you and as I get to know our ministries here at Centennial, my prayer is that we will grow together by God’s grace and for His glory!
Third, I have an “open door” ministry style. To put it another way, my door is always open, and I really mean it! I usually hold earlier office hours, and I’m always willing to talk or meet if y’all don’t catch me at the office. Likewise, our house is always open for y’all to drop by, and don’t worry, Rebekah is in full agreement with me. We love having people come and see us! I also try as much as possible to communicate what I’m doing and why. And if there’s ever a question about the goings on at the church, something in the Bible, and so on, please ask. I’m a true believer in that old saying that there’s no such thing as a silly question. Overcommunication is my motto because hearing something three times is better than never hearing it at all.
Lastly, my desire for myself and Centennial ARPC at large is to glorify God. This is my prayer for us as we move forward together, and our heavenly Father will be the one who moves us. We can remember what Moses told Joshua, that “it is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut. 31:8). What a great blessing and promise! I am humbled to journey with y’all in the coming years.
Blessings,
Jeremiah