I’ve officially completed my first full week of ministry at Broadway Baptist Church, and I can honestly say that I’m starting my second week with more excitement than hesitation, more hope than fear, and more energy than fatigue. Already, I sense God’s presence in the ministry here and the Divine hand at work in bringing me at this time to join the good work already in motion.
Over the past week, I have met lots of new friends and heard as many stories about who these people are and why they feel such a deep connection to their church. But, as is the case for any new person in a community, I found myself stuck in an endless cycle of repeating, “I’m glad to be here!”
This isn’t my first time at the rodeo. I’ve been the new kid at church multiple times, and it’s the same story. There’s just not enough time to tell everyone all the things you’d like them to know about you while they’re shaking your hand in a receiving line. So, in effort to rectify this, here’s my list of five things I want my new church to know about me.
5. It will take me a while to learn your names. Even if we’ve had a full conversation, it’s likely that I might not remember your name. I’ve got this handy app on my phone with the pictorial directory, so I’m practicing, but please feel free to tell me your name again and again. I promise I’ll catch on sooner rather than later!
4. My spiritual gift is making to-do lists. And the best part of my day is scratching items off said lists. So, be careful what you ask for, because once it goes on my to-do list, it’s totally happening.
3. I’m not afraid of criticism. In fact, if it’s constructive, I actually welcome your feedback. I want to be a faithful servant to the ministry God has called me to join at this church, and if something I am doing is keeping the ministry from being as vibrant as I know it can be, I want to know. I may be a glutton for punishment for saying this, but I hope you all will hold me accountable to faithful discipleship.
2. I covet your prayers. Being the new kid on the block is never easy, so I appreciate you keeping me in your prayers as I navigate a new place and new ministry. Please pray that I will be a faithful steward of the work God has blessed me with, and that I will be a gracious and humble servant of Christ’s Church – and his beloved children.
The wonderful search committee that brought me here!
1. I’m really excited to be here. So far, I have found Broadway to be a community of believers, seeking to be the best representation of Christ they can be in Louisville, Ky. I am energized by the way you aren’t afraid to learn and grow together, even if it means reimagining the ways that we “do” church. I’m excited to add my own vision and creativity to the great ministry already happening at Broadway, but more importantly, I’m excited to join your community and count myself among this genuine, faithful body of Christ followers. You inspire me, and I can’t wait to see where God takes us from here!
PS: A scoop of Graeter’s ice cream goes a long way with me, and if your child is having a birthday party at the skating rink or one of those awesome bouncy houses, I definitely want an invite!
Rev. on the Edge 
Emily’s also a huge fan of (some of) your beloved Cardinals. She used to be a pretty bang-up babysitter too, but I’m not guaranteeing that she still has time for that. And she’s also very much missed here in Atlanta.