I currently live in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa—a fun grouping of cities creating a fusion of urban and rural contexts nestled on the Mississippi River. Most recently I’ve gotten to serve as one of the senior leaders at a vibrant multisite church here; my family and I are expectantly entering a season of transition as we seek God’s “next” for us together.
Here’s some more information about who I am, how I seek to lead, and what makes my heart beat faster.
I believe there is power in the compelling, clear communication of God’s word.
Great preaching and teaching is enlivened by the Holy Spirit, is engaging, and is actionable regardless of age, stage of life, or where someone is in their transformative journey with Jesus. You can find some of the messages I’ve delivered below. My teaching/preaching gift has been affirmed by others, and I know communication through speaking and writing is part of my designed Kingdom contribution.
I believe Jesus is the only way to know and experience fullness of life.
His life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession bring us into reconciliation with the Father. Abiding with him, we find life leading to life; separated from him, we are in a state of death leading to death. I desperately want more of him, and I deeply desire everyone to live in unbroken relationship with him.
I believe the first group of people I’m called to pastor is my family.
I love that I get to be Sarah’s husband and Jubilee’s (11) & Zechariah’s (9) dad. You can find our family manifesto here—something that hangs in my office and in our living room as a reminder of who God is calling us to be. It’s a good snapshot of who we are and what drives us.
I believe we can’t lead others to places we aren’t willing to go.
This means I must chase hard after God—not only because I so greatly need him, but also so I can lead those in my care to more of him. I believe this also means our leaders must be willing to walk the beautiful and refining journey of holiness.
I believe Jesus calls, empowers, and sends his Church to reveal his kingdom in his power.
We are all invited to the adventure of ministry, and every follower of Jesus—regardless of age or experience—is sent and expected by him to live as an agent of his reconciliation. The Church reflects this ministry as they grow in unity in diversity.
I believe the Church must live out the whole Gospel.
The Holy Spirit equips us, together, to proclaim the Kingdom of Jesus and to live it out by pursuing justice, offering compassion, and working toward the restoration of individuals, families, and communities. This means the church is an active participant in the community and an engaging presence in the market square–a dynamic body intersecting with broken systems, needs, and opportunities.
I believe God can use anyone he wants for anything he wants.
I am living proof that God takes and uses the unlikely to demonstrate his wisdom and power; I’m thankful he has allowed the likes of me to serve him and his church. I am also egalitarian in my understanding and practice of ministry leadership; I believe the multiplication of leaders is part of discipleship.
I believe the healthiest leaders are collaborative leaders.
Gathering input from a diversity of perspectives while being able to make a tough call and stick by it is vital. I enter team meetings with the expectation of the best idea winning the day, knowing anyone can bring that best idea to bear. Seeking to discern and not decide requires a community wherein there is mutual trust and submission in the pursuit of God’s very best.
I believe the best is yet to come.
Jesus is bringing life, hope, restoration, and the shalom peace of God to our world. Because this is true, the best days for our families, for our communities, and for our churches are yet ahead.
Writing/Curriculum Samples
Life In Circles – This booklet–written and designed by me on behalf of Heritage Church–informed our Life in Circles series and helped set the stage for re-engagement following Coronavirus shutdowns in 2020.
Joy Unspeakable – Weekly devotional with reflections and active practice for individuals & families to get the most out of the Advent/Christmas season.
Explore Relationship is a six-week conversation designed in collaboration with others on the Heritage team to help people know and tell the story of God, be able to tell their own story, and read & understand the Bible. In addition to helping develop the class itself, I wrote most of the material found in the reflections/notetaking booklet.
Message Samples
Delivered in-person (September 18, 2022) and Broadcast on TV (September 25, 2022)
Delivered in-person (September 4, 2023) and broadcast on TV (September 11, 2022)
Delivered in-person (May 22, 2022) and broadcast on TV (May 29, 2022)
April 24/May 1, 2022
Delivered in-person (November 7, 2021) and broadcast on TV (November 14, 2021)
Delivered in-person and broadcast on TV
Delivered in-person (10/10/21) and broadcast on TV (10/17/21)
Delivered in-person (10/3/21) and broadcast on TV (10/10/21)
Gómez Family Manifesto
