“From Running Away to Stepping Up”
The first time I felt God pulling me toward the pulpit, I ran.
I got close enough to sense what it might mean, and I wanted no part of it. It wasn’t in my plans, and I turned away. But the feeling never left. It stayed—steady, persistent—like a voice I couldn’t ignore.
The second time the call came, I chose differently.
This time, I stepped forward.
Now, nearly a year later, I’m serving as pastor—still growing into a role I once avoided. I didn’t grow up in church. My faith journey began later in life through my wife, Emily, and through conversations with her father, a Bible teacher who helped guide me.
I’ll be the first to say my story isn’t perfect. But that’s part of why I share it. There are plenty of people who didn’t grow up in church either, and I hope they can see a bit of themselves in my journey.
Today, I’m attending seminary, learning and preparing as I continue to serve. As a church, we’ve also found our place by joining the Global Methodist Church, which has given us structure, support, and a shared understanding of Scripture.
We’re a simple church with a steady focus on worship, community, and staying grounded in the Bible. We want people to know there’s a place for them here — a place to belong, to grow, and to experience the steady grace of God.
Each week, when I step up to the pulpit, I’m reminded of the journey that brought us here. I don’t run anymore. I answer the call.
We keep walking forward in faith as a church family — trusting God, loving one another, and staying rooted in His Word.
Harry Whitsell
Come join us. Pastor Harry Whitsell now stands in the pulpit not as someone running from God, but as someone answering Him. His journey is a reminder that there is always room for grace, always room to grow, and always room to come home.
