Rodney Anderson joined our Ministry Team in December of 2000, the first year in the life of our church. He had just finished college, did not necessarily feel called to be a Pastor, had never worked for a church, and had never really spoken in front of a crowd of people. He was 21 yrs old. The first year of our Student Ministry, he took four Students to Summer Camp.
Nine-plus years later, I could not be more proud to watch as he has grown into the man, the Pastor, husband, father, and friend he has become! His leadership, his passion for ministry, and his teaching gifts have been evident to all. I would love to think I've been able to play a small part in his growth.
Just so you know, Rodney and I have ALSO been talking for probably close to 2 years about God's calling on HIS life, his spiritual gifts, and what God might want to do in and through him in the future. Over a year ago, due to some transition in our Student ministry, I asked Rodney to invest back into our Student Ministry and bring some consistency to the ministry, while we began a search for man of God who felt called to lead and set strategic direction for the entire Student Ministry. Rodney does not share this unique call on his life, but because of his love for me and our church he accepted the call over a year ago as our Student Pastor for the second time with a mutual understanding that when the new Student Pastor got here, we would figure out together what his next role looked like here at MLC.
To Rodney's credit the average, tenure of a Student Pastor is 14-18 mos. He has been the Exec. Student Pastor for 7 out of the 10 years of our church! That's a testimony to the great ride we've had together!
In the mean time, within the last couple of weeks, God also dropped a GREAT opportunity into Rodney's lap and tapped on his shoulder with a clear call to another ministry post. He has accepted that position and will be joining the Ministry Team at Buckhead Church in April. He will be here through the end of this month. He will be working within the Student Ministry there, but actually won't have a ton of interaction with the actual Students, but will be involved in the Leadership Development aspect among the adult volunteers in that ministry. I think this unique position, and even the urban context, fits Rodney's gifts and wiring so perfectly and I know He will bring great value to this ministry.
WHAT NOW? We are actually in the 4th quarter of our Student Pastor search and hope to make a big announcement soon regarding our new Student Pastor, so students and parents, hang in there! In the mean time, great Student Ministry leaders like Buck & Beth Webb, Michael Cheek, and Crystal Corn are locked and loaded and will lead this ministry over the next several weeks.
On the other hand, I must also say that will also miss Rodney so much! He has been one of my best friends for almost 10 years and my teaching partner for half of that! He will be missed in my life and our ministry. However, we BOTH feel this is 100% God's will for the future of our ministries and churches, and we're excited about our futures!
NOTE: Regardless of what anyone thinks, we are great friends, and plan on staying that way! For now, Rodney will continue to live in our community and drive to Buckhead and I plan on continuing to pick his brain for my messages from time to time!
Our church and the Student Ministry is what is is thanks to Rodney in many ways!
Rodney, I love you, man, and I am thankful for the incredible time we've had together! God's going to use you big time!
Mountain Lakers, leave your encouraging comments HERE for Rodney & Sarah Anderson!
Again, wow. Another great post, Shawn. We are sad that Rodney & Sarah are leaving, but we wish them the best. Thanks for everything!
Love,
Kenneth & Melissa Johnson
Posted by: MJ | March 15, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Working with Rodney has been such a great honor and I'm so thankful for his investment in my life. I'm excited about where student ministry is headed and looking forward to what's next.
Posted by: Crystal Corn | March 15, 2010 at 02:21 PM
Rodney, Jesus has used you to impact and shape me personally. I also know I'm not the only one :) Can't wait to see what God does in and through you at Buckhead. Blessings to you and you fam.
Posted by: Will Henderson | March 15, 2010 at 05:05 PM
Rodney, it has been a great joy to see you grow in your relationship with Christ over the last 9 years. God is using you, that is evident to anyone who has been around you for more than 10 seconds. Thanks for the investment in my children. They are who they are at least partly because of the impact you have had on thier life. We (the Snyder family) will miss you but know you are doing exactly what you were made to do.
Posted by: Bill | March 15, 2010 at 05:24 PM