I really love that God has given us seasons. We are blessed in Georgia to experience them all. We do have winter’s but they tend to be mild and snow is somewhat of a treat when you live in the south. I enjoy each season of the year. and I always look forward to the next. Whether it is Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, there is something unique that I enjoy about that season.
Our lives have seasons also. Changes occur as the months and years roll by and I have entered a new season as of 2025. I served the last five years as the Executive Driector of the Gwinnett Metro Baptist Network. I also continued to respond to ministry opportunities to equip leaders and impact churches beyond the work of the local association. In 2024, I published my eighth book and released a four-part video series on recapturing the hearts of adults who grew up in church but have disconnected. My intent for 2025, as I looked ahead, was to enter the season of “retirement.” Let me clarify what I understand to be “retirement” for someone actively engaged in ministry. For me, retirement is not about quitting or stopping but about adapting to a new season of life. My intent was to move to a more flexible schedule to permit more time for family and travel while ministering in a “freelance” capacity. That was the plan.
However, I was blessed to get a contact from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board toward the end of the past year with a request that led to a new opportunity. I actually served at the Mission Board for over twenty years prior to my service with the Gwinnett Metro Baptist Network. The Executive Director of the Mission Board, Thomas Hammond, has challenged the staff to consider how they might help churches and pastors get the gospel to every Georgia resident in the next few years. That led to a request for me to serve part-time as the Evangelism Strategy Director to work with the staff on this initiative. The request fit perfectly with my new season of life. Therefore, I am retired….kind of. I have a part time assignment and continue to be available to equip leaders and minister to churches upon request.
Please pray for me in this new season and let me know if I can serve you or your church in any way. You can access resources and more information about my ministry at www.steveparr.net or reach me at sparr@gabaptist.org. Thanks for your prayers and support. I pray your next season will be a time of blessing!