Are you willing to surrender your good ideas for God’s best idea for your life?
A couple weeks ago, the official announcement was made that in 2021, I was going to be the next lead pastor at Beulah Alliance Church—a church that has planted more than 50 churches in Edmonton, in Alberta, and in Canada over its 99 year history.
Here is Pastor Keith’s announcement:
Here is a conversation between Keith and I about this transition:
To learn more about the backstory of our journey back to Edmonton—and how we discerned that this was God’s calling over our lives—take a look at these two articles:
- The Most Important Question When Discerning Your Next Steps
- The Difference Between an Opportunity and a Calling
Now that the news is public, I’d love to take a few moments to personally respond.
First and foremost, there’s no other pastor that I love and respect more than Keith Taylor. His love for Jesus, his incredible humility, and his faithful care and commitment to our church family over the past 30 years is jaw dropping to put it mildly. If you could join me in praying for him and his wife as they discern how they might serve Beulah and the greater Church in this next season of life, that would be incredible.
Next, we have a webpage that outlines everything you need to know about the transition. On this page, you’ll find a ton of FAQs about the process and what’s next.
When Christina and I were praying about coming back, God did two things in our hearts: First of all, he broke our hearts for Edmonton and for Beulah. He gave us such a deep burden and love for our city and our church. You can read about the story here.
Secondly, as we were praying and waiting on the Lord, he brought up what happened between Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings 19. Perhaps you know the story: After Elisha was called to be Elijah’s successor, he took everything he had and surrendered it to God. His oxen, their yoke, and the plow—he burned it all up in surrender and worship to God. That was the image the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart with this whole transition. That we were called to do the same—to surrender our green cards and to offer up the life and ministry we were living in Nashville, for what God has planned for us and Beulah here in Edmonton.
So here we are, all in, and ready to serve.
Christina and I are so excited to journey with our Beulah church family, as we together lift up high the name of Jesus over greater Edmonton because it’s all about Him. His name is the only name that matters. And he’s the one that has led Beulah for the past 100 years and will continue to lead her as we start this second century of ministry. I absolutely love the history of our church and the role that Beulah has played in Edmonton, in Alberta, in Canada, and around the world to make Jesus known.
Would you join me in praying that Beulah would continue to be a multiplying church? Please pray for God’s hand upon this time. Pray for guidance, pray for anointing upon Keith and I and our leadership team. Pray for vision, continued unity, commitment, and dedication to be a part of God’s calling for our future. And lastly, please pray for our Elders Board for this important and exciting season ahead of us.