I’ve struggled to know what to say for the last few weeks.
Every day I’ve thought, “Okay, today is the day I need to write up a post thanking Conway BCM.”
But, as each day passes, I still don’t have the words. There’s too much.
But as I sit here… forcing myself to do the hard thing and find the words, I want to give Conway BCM the greatest compliment I can possibly give.
Thank you for helping me learn who God has made me to be as a leader.
I made mistakes, you showed grace.
I preached poor sermons, you encouraged.
I made bad decisions, you made the best of it.
I asked questions, you were honest.
I gained confidence from the Lord, you followed.
I casted vision from God’s Word, you received it.
I relied on the Spirit, you did too.
I’ll never forget the last night I was with you. It’s been about a month now. We finished the semester with a student testimony night and as I walked on stage after the last student shared I felt the weight of the moment. I knew this was the last time I would ever address you all.
I wanted to be sure what I said mattered.
I felt the Spirit well up in me and I shared exactly what I think God told me to say.
As I walked off the stage I thanked the Lord. “Lord, thank you for letting me be in a place that always encouraged me to follow Your lead.”
About halfway through my time at Conway BCM I had a shift in mindset. Early on I really believed we needed to be impressive to people and I was insecure daily on whether or not I was doing enough to win people over.
At some point, the Lord convicted me, and I realized one simple thing: The only thing that matters is if God’s presence is there.
So I began to do whatever it took to lead with that in mind.
I was nervous.
But you celebrated it.
And over the last 18 months I’ve experienced some of the most powerful worship moments of my life in the sanctuary of Harlan Park Baptist Church with you.
Moments I didn’t want to end.
Moments in the presence of God I’ll never forget.
What I learned from reflecting on those moments is that no one person can make those moments happen.
God shows up when an entire group of people softens their heart and seeks His presence.
We experienced God’s presence because you begged for Him to show up.
We experienced God’s presence because you surrendered all to Him.
We experienced God’s presence because you wanted Him to lead you.
We experienced God’s presence because you wanted nothing except Him.
And what I learned from you over the last three years is invaluable — all we need is God’s presence. Nothing else matters. If God shows up, that’s all we need. He is faithful to meet us as we open His Word & seek Him in worship.
You taught me how to lead with that in mind. You showed me grace as I fell short.
Thank you.
I cried during worship on our last night together. I said, “God, leaving this is hard. I’ve never experienced anything like this.”
In this next season of life at Shiloh Christian I’m asking God for more moments in worship like we’ve experienced. My encouragement to you is to continue begging Him for moments too.
Many of you have seen God change your life in a moment. Then you’ve seen Him sustain that life change over the course of a week, a semester, and a year or two.
It’s been an honor to watch those life changes happen.
Thank you for the privilege of leading you. I’ll miss leading you but I’m excited for the future of Conway BCM. God will continue to do an amazing work in and through you all.
I’m proud of you and I’m here if you ever need anything!
—Brandon
I know you impacted many lives. May God bless you.