Read Matthew 28:19-20

My name is Nate Mills.  I have been a member of Grace Church around 20 years.  I am married to my high school sweetheart, Carol, for 23 years.  We have 3 amazing children: Taylor, Drew and Toby.  Taylor is in her final year of under grad at the University of Akron and Drew is in his first year of school at Ashland University.  Toby is in his freshman year of high school at Wooster.

I work as a Personal Risk advisor for the Hummel Group out of our Orrville office (a fancy way of saying that I sell personal home and auto insurance).  Carol is employed by International Paper in Wooster.  I also work a side job doing “utility” work in the sports media industry.  The bulk of our opportunities come from working NFL events (Hall of Fame, Browns games and even a couple of Super Bowls).

Here at Grace, I have served in student ministry, been on mission trips, play in the worship band, am a writer for this ministry, lead a small group and am a reGen leader.

Ironically enough, I never wanted to get involved in any sort of ministry involvement at church.  However, God had other plans.  Right before Carol and I were married I was coaching baseball at a local high school.  Some of the guys I coached would approach me after practice or games and want to talk about things ranging from partying and parents’ divorce to girls.  I had no idea why they chose to approach me to discuss these things.  I was just a coach!  But for whatever reason, I was the one they chose and I was the one that God chose to be there for them.

Right around this time, we had some new guys on the staff in the student ministries department. After months of hearing the invitation at service, Carol gave me the nudge.  You know, the elbow to the rib cage nudge.  The thing was, I felt so undeserving to serve.  I didn’t know the Word the way I should, I had too much dirt in my past.  I had a wife and very young children and didn’t have time.

Excuse, excuse, excuse.

I thought back to the experience with coaching baseball.  I had already been doing youth ministry and didn’t even know it.  Matthew 28:19-20 says:

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus gives his final charge to His followers before He ascended to heaven.  He tells them to GO.  He doesn’t say,  “Before you go, make sure you have these verses memorized.”  He doesn’t say that you can’t go because of your past.  He commands us to GO and make more disciples!  That is what we are called to do.  And we don’t even have to hesitate or worry about how it will go.  Will people turn away from us? Will I do poorly?  Jesus promises to get with us ALWAYS!  How awesome is that!

So, I am giving you all a nudge in the rib cage as you read this.  Where is God calling you?  What is your next step?

Nate Mills