Ten years ago this Sunday my life changed. Emily snapped a picture back then to capture the moment. On September 14, 1998 I started my full-time ministry role at Granger Community Church. Up to that point, I had prepared for a completely different career. God was obviously preparing me for a different journey.
A lot has changed in the last ten years. I have two more little girls, one that looks exactly like Kayla did in this picture. I don’t own any wingtip shoes or pleated pants. I don’t have as much hair, and I’ve gained about 30 more pounds. We have a new home and a new church family.
Here’s what hasn’t changed…
- I’m still humbled that God called me to do what I get to do.
- I’m still convinced we live in a world that desperately needs the forgiveness, hope and love that only comes through Jesus.
- I’m still figuring out what it is to be a fully-devoted follower of Christ.
- I’m still discovering how to help others be all that God designed them to be.
- I’m still passionate about the potential for the local church and its impact in people’s lives.
- I’m still waiting to see what God does next.
I can’t believe what’s happened in the last 10 years. I’ve watched literally thousands of people commit to following Jesus. I’ve watched people experience physical, relational and spiritual healing in ways that could only be classified as miracles. And, in the process, I’ve had the opportunity to share that experience with people I love. What an honor. I didn’t deserve it.
What will the next 10 years bring? Based on past experience, I’m fairly certain it’s nothing like I have imagined. As much as I try to out-plan God, he always seems to remind me that his plans are greater. I’m still a work in progress. He must become greater. I must become less. Why doesn’t that get easier? You’d think I’d learn.
I hate traditions, but I’m a pretty sentimental guy. Thanks for putting up with this sappy post about where I’ve been and where I’m heading.
In case you haven’t figured it out, God’s not done with me yet. Please be patient.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing that. God has used you, is using you and will continue to.
it is an honor to serve with you. what an incredible milestone!
Congrats Tony. I’m still working on year 1, so 10 years is definitely impressive to me.
Congrats Tony! Ten years is a great milestone. Keep it up… if it gets boring it’s not God, right?
Congrats, Tony on 10 years! I’m grateful and our church is better because of your life poured out for Jesus and the people who matter to him – at Granger Community Church and at New Spring. Of course, eternity will tell the impact you’ve had on churches throughout the world from those two posts.
Looking forward to how God uses your life in the next decade!
Tony, to the contrary…there was no putting up the personal nature of your post. Actually, it ranks among my favorites precisely because of your self-revelation.
Hey… I remember that guy! A lot more clean-cut that the photo on the right… :)
Thanks for following God’s direction!
Congrats Tony! I’ve never had the privilege to meet you yet. But I get a lot out of your blog and will continue to pass it on.
Congratulations, Tony on 10 years of vocational ministry!! I praise God for how you are impacting me and other people around the globe.
This is a marathon and not a sprint, so continue to stay connected to God and listen to His Spirit.
Thanks for the story — it means a lot for me to read that right now.
Congratulations!
It’s a privilege to share in this from afar.
I didn’t plan my career around full time ministry either. I’ve been blown by God’s grace as well. I still live vicariously through some of the business leaders in my church. I guess that’s why I write so much on leadership and business issues on my blog. Thanks for the post and your influence.
Ron Edmondson
http://www.ronedmondson.com