Its been nearly a month since I penned anything here- and a time of whirlwind change right now at Hebron. Larry Wynn, our senior pastor of 33 years, announced his resignation last week, accepting a position at the North American Mission Board as VP of Evangelism & Church Planting. We are excited for him, but sad as well. An era is coming to an end. When Larry came to Hebron, there were barely 100 members. Now, the church has over 12,000 members and runs about 5000 in attendance every Sunday. And that's not counting all the ministries that meet at various times throughout the week! God has used Larry to build a great church here in Gwinnett County, that reaches locally and globally with the love of Jesus Christ. Larry is much-loved, and will be much-missed.
We are all hoping and praying that the pastor selection team will nominate Kevin Miller, Larry's executive pastor, to be our next senior pastor. Kevin grew up here, served for years as one of the student pastors, served a church in Florida for 5 years, and has been back home for the past 4 years. Kevin is known, loved, and trusted by all of us on staff, and I believe by the vast majority of the church. We want him to take over and keep leading us, as our new pastor. Lord willing...
I was reminded this morning in a prayer time with Kevin, of the story of Joshua in the Old Testament. Moses had pulled together the Israelites from across Egypt, fought for their freedom, led them for 40 years in the wilderness, but when the time came for the people to move in and possess the land of Canaan, God took Moses home, and Joshua, his 2nd in command, took over. Big shoes to fill! But God told him, "Be strong and courageous... The Lord your God is with you, wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Joshua stepped up, led the people across the Jordan River (in a similar scenario to the Red Sea crossing 40 years prior), and battled on to conquer the land. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Although hopefully Larry isn't going to die like Moses did, Kevin is definitely our Joshua here at Hebron. A new day is dawning in the story of this church, and God is preparing us for a whole new chapter. We are one in our purpose to reach our community and our world for Christ, and are hopeful for the days ahead.
Onward and upward!