I am a minister at Western Hills Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. There it is, a confession of sorts…hello, my name is Chris…I am a preacher. It took a long time for me to be able to embrace that being a preacher is part of my vocation (my essence). I did not grow up in church and did not expect to find myself behind a pulpit trying to connect people with God each Sunday morning. I have come to embrace my life’s calling and can honestly say I love my work and life. (It helps to know where my frame of reference comes from).
I am also a Coach/Consultant. I love to help people reach their potential. I have coached business professionals, educators and ministry leaders. My philosophy is that we each have a function/purpose and we might as well use our days trying to fulfill that purpose, live up to our potential our personal brilliance, our Arete. I coach youth lacrosse, but that is another story entirely and not the type of coach I am talking about here.
This is my personal blog. It is focused on “finding our true home in God.” Grace is my favorite word and my favorite gift to unpack. As a human, I get the chance daily to wander around in the wilderness breathing the fresh air of grace and as a minister I get to help others do the same.
I write on, spiritual development (from a Christian perspective), vocational development, family, and trying to live an integrated life that finds a 'home in God.' (Sometimes I will write about things that don’t fit into these categories).
This blog is also a stab at being good at what I do and an attempt to be of some use to my fellow preachers, and others trying to find their way. Research has shown that if you can make it through the first five years as a pastor you have a pretty good chance of continuing onward in this role. At times I wondered if I would make it, at times I hoped I wouldn't and now looking back I would not want to be in an other role or position (except maybe head lacrosse coach at UVA). I am a preacher and as I continue to take this journey one step at a time, I hope you will come alongside for a while and walk a spell.
Formal Bio: (or informal-formal bio)
- Three degrees from Baylor University: BBA, Mdiv & Dmin (but don’t ever call me Doctor).
- Worked on the staff of three churches in Texas and am currently pastor of a wonderful church in Fort Worth.
- Received coach training from Coaching4Clergy and highly recommend you check out their site.
- 1 wife of 19+ years, 3 great kids who I promised I would not blog about.
- Love coffee, have 2 cups prior to morning workout, I love Trader Joe's coffee!
- Love/hate to climb 14er’s in Colorado.
- Don’t define my life by what I do, but this blog is partly about what I do.
- I tend to err on the side of grace, or try to tend to err on the side of grace.
- Love to coach lacrosse, love everything about lacrosse.
- Realize I have a long way to go.
- Want to make an authentic attempt at following Jesus, improving myself and preaching well before my time is up.
