Last Tuesday, Bishop Mike Watson licensed me to be an Assistant Pastor at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church in Dacula, Georgia!
My role on staff will largely center around discipleship—introducing new people to Christ and his call for a new way of life and helping those who have already placed their faith in Christ follow him more faithfully. I will oversee the small group ministry, facilitate opportunities for people to participate in God’s mission in the community, and serve on the pastoral team in many other capacities. If all of that sounds somewhat vague… it’s because the Senior Pastor of the church and I are still discussing the vision for this new role.
Hamilton Mill UMC was started 16 years ago, leading it to be a rather young United Methodist church. The church is located on I-85 twenty-five miles north of Atlanta. It is in an area that has experienced rapid growth in the last 20 years. Currently, around 1,000 people worship there each week. Many of them have already made me feel welcome by donating furniture to my barren rental home (facebook and hospitality are to thank for that hookup)!
The founding pastor, Dr. David Davis, continue to serve as Senior Pastor and has already made me feel welcome and like an integral part of the staff and church community. I’m beyond excited to be in a place where I am part of a team of ministers. One of my desires for my first full-time position in ministry was to be in a place where I could be mentored into ministry by others with years of experience. Hamilton Mill UMC is an environment that provides exactly that.
Those who talked with me throughout my last year at seminary know that the above description is the type of situation I prayed for and desired for this next season of ministry. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort!
I have one request for you as I share this joyful announcement. Please keep me in your prayers as I enter my first full-time position in pastoral ministry.
And feel free to visit the church when you’re in the area, or make it your community of faith if you live nearby.
We are looking forward to your coming. We will seek God’s direction concerning specific tasks. We are a led people. For sure Discipleship is the biggest need. See you when you get back from COR.
David
Jonathan –
I’ll be doing the same thing at Simpsonwood (small groups and local missions). We’ll have to share ideas from time to time!
Amanda
For sure!
While you certainly made a very good first impression with your first sermon @ HMUMC – I have to say we are extremely fortunate to have you. I’m certain you will make a lasting impression on the life of this church.
We were one of the families who were on vacation the entire month on July, and to return to find someone as articulate and as passionate as you are was a pleasant surprise.
While you may have issues in wrangling the Senior Pastor position away from Pastor Dave – you have all the makings (even at this early stage) to make a significant impact as a Senior Pastor yourself “Boots”.
Welcome to Hamilton Mill UMC!
Thanks for the compliments Doug! It was great meeting y’all on Sunday.