If my math is correct (and my grades in that subject from first grade through college would attest that I could be wrong), then thirty-one years, seven months, and four days ago (as I write this on August 16, 2021) was my first day as Assistant Pastor here at Eastmont.
Bro. Mike learned of me through Kelly’s sister and brother-in-law, Katie, and Bill Barringer (they will be our neighbors in Greenville). My nephew and niece, Brent and Kristen, were friends with Beth and Michael Northcutt.
I was living and working at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN, at the time. I met with the personnel committee in the latter part of 1989 and preached a trial sermon one Sunday evening. No one was more surprised than I that you voted to call me as your first Assistant Pastor. I was so nervous I couldn’t remember my own name!
The only thing I promised the personnel committee was that I would love Eastmont’s members. I have fulfilled that promise for almost half my life. Of course, you and all past members made that an easy promise to keep.
You and the hundreds that preceded you have been our family. You are not just people I serve or serve with, but you are truly family and friends. The motto, “faith, family, and friends” is real at Eastmont.
I have a lifetime of memories to treasure as long as I live. It has been a privilege and an honor to be your Assistant Pastor and College and Single Adult Pastor. I have had the opportunity to serve with the best ministerial and support staff ever assembled over these three decades. Bro. Frank, Billy, Gene, Lance, Cleve, and others will continue to lead you now and in the future, and I pray that you will fully support them with your prayers and followership.
William Carey said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” The apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus seems to support Carey’s statement. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
On behalf of Kelly, Jacob, Katelyn, and myself, we thank you for loving us for all these years. We love you! My prayer is that “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord cause His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His face to you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)