How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
– Romans 10:14-15
It was around 2003. I had just graduated from college with no clue about my future. I had no plans. I didn’t really know what I was good at. I went to college to figure that out and left four years later with the same questions. I eventually humbled myself and moved in with my parents. They had just moved to Morgantown, so I helped them get settled in, and I got settled into my futon in the computer room of their house. It was fine. I was fine.
I eventually heard about Chestnut Ridge Church and decided to visit. After one service, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I didn’t know what that meant, but there was something that made me feel welcome and at home. Of course, the worship caught my attention, but what I found really impressive was Pastor Tim’s teaching. Something about Tim made me trust him and what he was saying. I felt humbleness from him. He wasn’t afraid to share his weaknesses and faults. He knew the Bible like the back of his hand. He didn’t shout, but what he said spoke volumes. The more I attended, the more I trusted Tim and what he had to say.
This past Sunday, our church celebrated Pastor Tim Haring and what God has done through him over almost 40 years. Pastors Matt Santen, Seth Broadhurst, and Josh Rhodes shared about Pastor Tim’s faithfulness, but the overall theme was how much love Tim has.
Pastor Matt shared about Tim’s love and belief in others. Tim saw things in Matt that Matt didn’t see in himself. Tim believed in Matt’s ability to start a church and lead people to know Christ, which changed Matt’s trajectory.
Pastor Seth talked about Tim’s love for God. His desire to be a good servant of Jesus Christ flows from a heart to experience his salvation in Jesus Christ to the fullest, followed immediately by his desire that all of us would experience salvation in Jesus Christ to the fullest.
Pastor Josh closed by sharing about Tim’s love for the gospel. Forty years ago, Tim took a step of faith. He was stepping into the unknown with little money and knowledge of Morgantown, West Virginia. But what he did have was a passion to share the gospel with as many people as possible. That love has led many to Christ over the years.
I like the question Matt posed for us to consider: What is it that you appreciate about Tim? Is it his love for others? Is it his faithfulness to God? His desire to share the gospel? Whatever it is, how can we follow his example in our own lives?
I eventually heard about Chestnut Ridge Church and decided to visit. After one service, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I didn’t know what that meant, but there was something that made me feel welcome and at home. Of course, the worship caught my attention, but what I found really impressive was Pastor Tim’s teaching. Something about Tim made me trust him and what he was saying. I felt humbleness from him. He wasn’t afraid to share his weaknesses and faults. He knew the Bible like the back of his hand. He didn’t shout, but what he said spoke volumes. The more I attended, the more I trusted Tim and what he had to say.
This past Sunday, our church celebrated Pastor Tim Haring and what God has done through him over almost 40 years. Pastors Matt Santen, Seth Broadhurst, and Josh Rhodes shared about Pastor Tim’s faithfulness, but the overall theme was how much love Tim has.
Pastor Matt shared about Tim’s love and belief in others. Tim saw things in Matt that Matt didn’t see in himself. Tim believed in Matt’s ability to start a church and lead people to know Christ, which changed Matt’s trajectory.
Pastor Seth talked about Tim’s love for God. His desire to be a good servant of Jesus Christ flows from a heart to experience his salvation in Jesus Christ to the fullest, followed immediately by his desire that all of us would experience salvation in Jesus Christ to the fullest.
Pastor Josh closed by sharing about Tim’s love for the gospel. Forty years ago, Tim took a step of faith. He was stepping into the unknown with little money and knowledge of Morgantown, West Virginia. But what he did have was a passion to share the gospel with as many people as possible. That love has led many to Christ over the years.
I like the question Matt posed for us to consider: What is it that you appreciate about Tim? Is it his love for others? Is it his faithfulness to God? His desire to share the gospel? Whatever it is, how can we follow his example in our own lives?
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I still may not have it all figured out, but experiencing Tim’s faithfulness and love is what has impacted me the most. That’s the aspect of Tim’s character that I hope to emulate. I want to trust God and follow His lead in everything I do because He is ultimately in control, and His plans are far greater than my plans, especially if they involve a futon. I want to love others well and not be afraid to share God’s love with those around me.
Our calling may not be to leave everything to start a church like it was for Pastor Tim, but we all have an opportunity to influence those around us. God has made a difference in so many lives through Pastor Tim’s obedience and faithfulness. Imagine what God will do through you if you show that amount of faith.
Our calling may not be to leave everything to start a church like it was for Pastor Tim, but we all have an opportunity to influence those around us. God has made a difference in so many lives through Pastor Tim’s obedience and faithfulness. Imagine what God will do through you if you show that amount of faith.
Posted in Devotional
Posted in tim haring, celebration sunday, faithfulness, love, pastor, pastor tim
Posted in tim haring, celebration sunday, faithfulness, love, pastor, pastor tim
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