Reflection

When I look back on my journey in ministry, what stands out the most is the privilege it has been to walk with youth, children, and families through the ups and downs of life. I’ve learned how powerful it is just to be present, sometimes more impactful than any sermon or strategy. Over time, I’ve seen how intentional, relational discipleship touches every part of real life. When we stay in Scripture and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, transformation happens in ways we could never orchestrate on our own. The words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 sums it up for me, "so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." That verse feels like the story of the ministry God desires for me to live out, sharing the gospel by sharing life, the beautiful and ugly parts of it all.

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I also think about the people who walked with me. Those who poured into me, believed in me, and saw a calling in me long before I ever recognized it myself. The leaders who grabbed my hand and sometimes my hair and pulled me along, giving me proximity to both their mess and their living faith. I want to thank those who taught me with gentleness and creativity, those who invited me to sit at tables I never thought I'd be invited to sit at. They exemplified Jesus in a living tangible way. They shaped the way I lead today.

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In the next five to ten years, I see myself continuing to serve in the local church, continuing to do life and ministry with people in a way that feels intentional and honest. I want to be part of a church that’s not just running programs but forming disciples, a place where kids, teens, and families truly embody that they are as in Hebrews 4:12  states,"the word of God made active. " Where they don't only attend church, but are little churches with the indwelling spirit walking around their corner of the world, pursing God through worship, mentorship, and shared life rather than separated into silos.

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I also feel a growing passion to pour into other leaders. Eventually, I would love to help develop something at the regional or conference level that equips leaders with the tools, encouragement, and theological grounding they need to disciple well in their unique contexts. I want to help shift the way we do ministry to the upcoming generations, creating spaces where doubts are not seen as evidence of a desire to walk away from God, but as an opportunity to see God in bigger ways, where their gifts are recognized as essential to equipping the church for reaching the world, and where their leadership is nurtured not just as a pretense to join our church but as a lifestyle and commitment to see their value.

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Wherever God leads, whether revitalizing a church, planting something new, or stepping into a more creative community-centered role, I want to stay open to God's guiding hand in my life. I desire to stay faithful to the call. Dr Roger Hernandez once said " Purpose is forever, its expression is temporary" So as the seasons of life change and transform I want to keep showing up, keep pointing people to Jesus, and keep creating room for healing, growth, and belonging with the same patience and radical love of my savior. If ten years from now I am still doing that, I’ll be right where I want to be.