Four years ago, a monumental election took place. And right in the middle of the election, the economy collapsed.

But I was not paying attention.

I had monumental issues going on in my life and ministry that I was preoccupied with.

During the summer of 2008, I was engaged in a process that would eventually result in me becoming the Senior-Pastor of the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville.

The Wednesday after the election of Barack Obama, my installation services began. I totally forget to mention that the nation had elected its first black president the day before. My guest speaker saved the day by mentioning it in his opening remarks.

Sorry.

In my heart and mind, a much bigger event was taking place. I was beginning a new pastoral journey in a new setting with a new congregation.

Four years later, I feel the same way.

This week marks four years since I was installed as the pastor of Shiloh.

I am blessed to serve a great people. I know that pastors are obligated to say that. But this is not yearbook talk for me.

The congregation was coming out of a difficult season, when I arrived. Aspects of my leadership were different from what the congregation had grown accustomed to over the pastor fifteen years. And I was a different face and voice from the other side of the country.

I braced myself for the fact that the congregation would not even begin to like me for at least five years.

How wrong I was.

Immediately, the saints of Shiloh embraced my family and me. They have loved, supported, encouraged, prayed, and blessed us beyond measure.

I am grateful. But I am not satisfied.

Obama got four more years.

I don’t want more years. I want decades!

My prayer is to go to heaven from the Shiloh Church.

May the Lord grant us many more years of fruitful service together as pastor and people for his glory!

Happy Anniversary, Shiloh!

I love you.