Answering the Call

The first time I felt the pull toward the pulpit, I ran.

I got close enough to know 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 me. It stayed with me, steady and persistent, like a voice I couldn’t ignore.

“This was the second time I felt called to the pulpit. The first time, I ran from it. But it never went away.”

So when the call came again, 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, through my wife, Emily, and conversations with her father, a Bible teacher who helped guide me.

I’ll be the first to say I don’t have a perfect story. But that’s part of who I am. There are others who didn’t grow up in church either, and I think they can see 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. It’s given us structure, support, and a shared understanding of Scripture.

Shiloh Church itself has seen a few changes—new windows, new siding—but we’ve worked to keep its traditional look. And at our core, nothing has changed.

We’re not anything fancy. We’re focused on worship, community, and staying grounded in the Bible.

We simply want people to know there’s a place for them here.

And now, each week, when I step up to the pulpit, I don’t run anymore.