As each year goes on, I try to take an opportunity to assess my ministry plans in light of present reality. And this is iimportant because, over the last two plus years, my ministry plans have turned out to be more aspirations or wishes. My desires and reality haven’t lined up, and the efforts I made didn’t change that.
Which means, clearly, the Lord had other plans. And that’s okay.
With 2026 nearing its halfway point, I have a few important tasks ahead of me from a ministry perspective, which I pray will lead to more opportunities to serve the broader church.
Will teach and travel (for any who will have me)
Since Refuge Church ended at the end of 2024, I’ve been largely out of the pulpit. I want to change that. One way I’m doing that is by reaching out to churches in my area to meet with pastors and see how I might be able to serve. But that’s not the only way. I’m also speaking at two conferences this fall, which I’m thrilled about. (More details to come.)
I want to be doing more of this through the rest of the year. And this is not something I say lightly because I know how serious a responsibility it is. But if you’d like to help with this, here’s what I would ask:
- Connect me with a pastor you know (bonus points if they’re in the Nashville area)
- If you are a pastor and would like to talk about how I might be able to serve your congregation, let’s talk
- Pray that the Lord would bring the right opportunities at the right time
One book in need of readers (and another in need of a publisher)
In my brief reflection on the one-year anniversary of Faith Simplified‘s release, I shared that sales haven’t been quite what we hoped. That’s just one of the unpleasant realities of publishing in 2026. My publisher believes in the book. Those who have read it largely seem to love it. But it could use more of them.
Also, back in January, I finished writing a book that my agent(s) and I have been pitching. This book is a careful exploration of a not-at-all controversial subject in our day: immigration. This book is deeply biblical, compassionate, and very honest about what it’s really like to be an immigrant—even an invisible one like me. (Expect to see more articles on the subject here in the very near future.)
So here’s what I would ask by way of your support:
- If you’ve not already read Faith Simplified, please order a copy.
- If you have read it, please review it. I would love to see it reach 50 Amazon reviews before the summer is through.
- Please pray that this next book would find the right home soon.
Working toward a masters’ degree
The final thing I will note for now is that I am roughly halfway through my program with Redemption Seminary. This program (Masters in Biblical Studies) has been one of the most life-giving things I’ve done in recent years. I’m what some would call a doxological researcher. Few things delight my heart more than learning—wrestling with a tough bit of theology or exploring a big idea. Continuing my education, as much as it is work, is an act of worship. So here’s what I would ask:
- Pray that it would continue to be fruitful
- Pray that I would have all the stamina I need, especially given that I also have a full time job, want to engage with my family, and serve my church (and all the other things too)
As always, thank you for all your support in all of these endeavors. I don’t take it lightly that people choose to support the work I do. Your reading, sharing, commenting, and prayers mean a great deal.
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
