Weekly Update // Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

 This is the last time I’ll be writing to you as one of your appointed clergy. While I remain a United Methodist pastor, my path is shifting—soon, I will no longer be under appointment to a local church. Instead, I will be serving as a chaplain in the United States Air Force.

 Many of you have asked how this new call came about, and it’s a great question. Truthfully, I think it began during my early years of ministry, as I walked alongside veterans in the churches I served and listened to their stories of service and sacrifice. Their experiences deeply moved me and planted seeds that I didn’t fully understand at the time.

 In 2014, as I prepared for ordination, I took a leadership assessment designed to help identify where the gifts God has placed in me might be best used. Interestingly, I was the only person in my class to score strongly in a particular area. The facilitator commented, “Someone like you would do well in the military.” I didn’t know what to make of it at the time, but the thought never fully left me.

 A key moment came in June of 2019, when I had a conversation with my colleague, Rev. Aaron Rosseau, a Navy Chaplain. For years, Aaron and I were part of the same covenant group. Knowing my heart for reaching people beyond the church, he asked if I’d ever considered military chaplaincy. At the time, the logistics didn’t seem possible. Amanda’s work wasn’t remote, and I wanted to support her career growth while raising our family.

 Last year, however, things changed. Amanda’s job became fully remote, opening doors we hadn’t imagined before. Aaron and I revisited the idea, and he encouraged me to consider the Air Force, knowing my personality and the opportunities it would provide. With Amanda’s career now adaptable to relocation, and after much prayer and discernment, we felt God leading us to take this leap of faith.

 I recently learned that after I complete Officer Training School, I’ll be serving at Cannon Air Force Base, just outside of Clovis, New Mexico.

 While I’m excited to step into this new chapter, leaving Asbury is bittersweet. Serving alongside you has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and this congregation will always hold a special place in my heart. From my very first day here, you embraced a spirit of creativity and faithfulness, finding new ways to reach people with the love of Christ.

 Together, by God’s grace, we’ve launched Morning Prayer, expanded our online presence, started community groups, and stood united in God’s Word during a time when the world often felt divided. Through your willingness to adapt, grow, and live out the gospel, God has used each of you to inspire me daily.

 From the bottom of my heart, thank you for teaching me what it means to follow Jesus more deeply.

 I hope you’ll join us for one final worship service together on Sunday, January 5, at 10 a.m. My sermon that day is titled “Just a Few Things,” because there are just a few more things I want to share before I leave.

Until then, please know you’re in my prayers. Be safe, stay grounded in God’s love, and continue to be the incredible community you’ve always been.

Blessings,
Chris

 

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