Klint Confirmation

Introduction

It’s often been said, that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.

I believe that, and by God’s good grace Annie and I have had the privelege of going pretty far with Klint and M.E. over the last 16 years.

Klint and I were both radically saved around the same time, and by God’s grace were invited into the same community together.

I can recall in those early years, how although young in his faith, God had his hand all over Klint.

Let me highlight a few things I’ve been priveleged to witness.

We spent the summer of 2008 working at a Christian camp and it was there that I think he cultivated a deep love of Worship. Klint is musically gifted, and that summer I’d often find him engaged in leading or just participating in Worship.

We lived together in 2008 and 2009, and had our first opportunity to do extended ministry together.

Living with 9 guys in a 4BR home had its challenges… resulting in just a few wrestling matches, but that year I watched Klint develop a pure hunger for God’s Word.

Staying up late in the night listening to sermons by Ben Stuart, or Chandler, and spending the whole next day wrestling with what we heard.

(Praise God, that by his grace he kept us from the young, restless, and reformed crowd… unlike others in this room).

Our responsibility in the ministry home was to create a space that welcomed Freshmen, and hopefully offer them an alternative to the vibrant downtown scene in Athens.

We’d throw non-alcohol parties, play every intramural sport, and host the most competitive mario kart tournaments you’d ever see.

Throughout that time I got to see Klints unique gifting of creating and cultivating community. People have always been drawn to Klint.

During that time, we we also knew we had found our future Wives.

Praise God that Annie and M.E. are both gracious and patient women, becuase we fumbled our way through that season… but I got to watch Klint learn to love as Christ had called.

In 2011, I had the privelege of standing by his side on the hottest, most gnat infested day in South GA history, and in October of that year, he got to return the favor for Annie and I.

After our weddings, we literally, went in opposite directions.

He and M.E. moved west to texas… a leap of faithful obedience to the calling of God, while Annie and I went far east in the same vein.

Although separated my thousands of miles, we remained connected, and Annie and I acutely remember spending a large portion of those years in prayer for a child for the 2 of you.

In 2015, we returned Stateside to Athens, and so did Klint and M.E. where I first met Will and Rachel unloading a Uhaul.

It was God’s kindness to us to be at the hospital to meet Zeke for the first time, the one for whom we’d prayed so fervently.

I could go on, but our lives have always seemed to be parallel tracks, even to the point where now we have the terrifying, and humbling privelege of leading Christ’s church just 20 miles apart.

As you step into this new season, my prayer is that those beginnigs provide the stability and anchor you need as you lead.

First, that you remember that before Pastor, you are a Worshipper. May God continue to cultivate within you a heart after his.

Second, may you continue to consume His Word, it is the light and lamp you need for this path.

Third, may you lean into your community. Leadership can be lonely, but you are loved and we’re here for you.

Fourth, may you always remember that apart from the Grace of God in Christ, Mary Elizabeth is your greatest gift, your highest calling, and most treasured possession.

Fifth, if by some reason you leave CBC Savannah… it will be sad, but you know what they’ll do?

Hire another Pastor

But there is no other Father… for Zeke, Brooks, Josie, and Vivi

You’re the right man, the right couple, and the right family for this church and for this season.

You have never sought this, and this position was not achieved by your vain ambition.

But it has been given by the grace of God, and you are called to it. Step into your calling, steward it faithfully, and I’m excited to see God receive the glory.