Career Update

I am excited to announce that I have accepted a full-time position with Interstates in Sioux Falls as an IT Support Specialist II (Tier 2) and will be starting on Tuesday, November 24th. Thankfully, the position requires no evenings, no weekends, and no being on call. I will need to work standard business hours in the beginning but as I get trained in and acquainted with the role, there will be opportunities for developing a flex schedule.

I will be doing this alongside of pastoral ministry at Renovation Church. For those who attend our church on Sundays, you will not notice any difference. I will still be leading, teaching, and preaching at the same number of services as I currently do. I will also continue to lead the weekly Wednesday night small group/Bible Study.

All that being said, it is unrealistic for me to think I can do everything I currently do. Pastoral care will be split between me, our Elders, and members of the church. For other aspects of the church to run smoothly, those who are members of the church will need to take ownership of various areas. If you currently attend Renovation Church and feel called to serve in a volunteer role that would take anywhere from 1 – 4 hours/week, please send me a message.

Finally, as I survey the effects COVID-19 has had on small churches across the United States (including Renovation Church) I firmly believe many churches are going to have to make a choice. Either churches will close due to decreased attendance & giving (not to mention pastoral burnout) or churches will restructure and rethink leadership to become more organic and aligned with principles we see in the New Testament. This role will allow me to remain as a pastor for the long haul and measure my “success” by making disciples and teaching the Bible rather than filling pews & relying on tithes.

I firmly believe there is no such thing as “secular” work for a Christian. If you are a follower of Jesus, all that you do is sacred – including your work – because you have been set apart by the Gospel. As I move into this new role, I am going to strive to be the best IT professional I can be as a means of pointing those around me to the beauty, hope, and life found in Jesus.