“When you launch your boat into the deeper waters, you are grateful for someone who has already navigated the waters…

For Following a Long-Tenured Pastor

Nothing quite prepares you for the call that says you are about to follow a pastor who has faithfully served a church for 20 years and has grown it from hundreds to thousands. You feel like you’ve been tossed in the deep end and you desperately want someone who has navigated the waters. In my first year, that was Jim Ozier.

When you launch your boat into the deeper waters, you are grateful for someone who has already navigated the waters. Jim has been a voice of comfort, compassion, challenge, and confirmation. He has asked questions to help broaden my perspective. He has helped me see opportunities where I was only seeing challenges. He has gently nudged and challenged my way of thinking in ministry. In other words, he has brought his experience and expertise along side me in this new chapter of ministry. He has helped me get over my fear of drowning so I can enjoy the water!