Over the past few weeks, I have had several people ask me, “How long have you been at Huffman?” Some were shocked that I answered very specifically. The first time I was asked, I answered, “100 Days!” Then, “106 Days!” I followed it up with a humorous, “But who’s counting.”
There is something special about the first 100 days. The media marks a new president’s term by scrutinizing the first 100 days. The truth is that most of us overestimate what we can accomplish in a day (or 100 days) and underestimate what we can accomplish in a year, three years, five years or more.
A couple of weeks ago, I passed the 100-day mark as pastor of Huffman Baptist Church. I am still excited about what I see God doing at HBC. Church Revitalization is hard work. It is truly a marathon and not a sprint. Did I mention that it’s hard work? That’s why I asked you to enter into something of a covenant agreement with me back in July when I preached in view of a call.
Perhaps you remember my promise to do the following:
- I will pray for the members of Huffman Baptist Church daily.
- I will love you.
- I will listen to you.
- I will seek to lead this church in the power of Jesus alone.
- I will be transparent with you.
- I will tell you what you need to hear even when it may not be what you want to hear.
- I will be faithful to study God’s word so that I may preach to glorify him.
In return I asked you to do the following (I even gave you permission to vote “no” on extending a call if you were not willing):
- To pray for Melanie and me.
- To allow Melanie to be a church member like anyone else.
- To love us as we are.
- Because you know change is inevitable, to make sacrifices of your preferences and desires for the greater good of the church.
- To not gossip or criticize behind my back. If you have an issue that needs to be addressed, to bring it directly to me.
- To love other members of the church, even when you disagree with them.
- To pray for Huffman Baptist Church because she is the bride of Christ.
I was truly humbled on July 14 when you unanimously called me to be your pastor. In that vote you agreed to some really hard things, and I am thankful that you are striving to do what you agreed to do. God is not finished with HBC. He’s not finished with you or me. As long as we have breath, we have a role to play in making Jesus known across the street and around the world.
Thank you for traveling this journey and allowing me to be your shepherd! I love you more…