After two weeks of crazy changes and ups-and-downs, I have been blown away – but not surprised – by the outpouring of love and support shown to me and my family. Emails, texts, FB messages, Instagram messages (this is a thing apparently), and countless hugs and personal “congrats” have been lavished on me in a way that is bittersweet. It encourages my soul to know that, though I fumbled often, I was able to make some sort of impact in your hearts and lives. I am extremely bias but the people of Western Reserve are some of the best on the planet. If anyone attempts to say otherwise, I will fight them.
Thank you for welcoming a scared, insecure, and broken boy into your congregation those years ago and for unleashing a somewhat more healthy and humbled man into the world now. Your grace and positivity are unrivaled and undeserving. I wish to thank each one of you, buy you coffee and some expensive French sounding pastry, but until that time, know your impact will outlast my ability or time to recognize it properly. I could write volumes of your care, encouragement, and infectious joy, or the way you rallied around me and my new bride and then my new son. But for now, I will spare the emotions that forever fill my heart for you. Just know this, and may you never doubt it – you have captured my heart and imagination. You have given me a safe space to work out my passion and calling, and for this, I will forever be grateful. “Family” is a term we throw around a little too flippantly, but in your case, this is true. You are in my blood – my heartbeat – and regardless of title or time or location, I will fight for you and with my dying breath declare the all-encompassing, all-welcoming, all-humbling grace of our savior; the only one capable of giving you a future and a hope.
You ARE what a church should strive to be! Yet, do not grow complacent in this season. Press on. You are in the midst of a great work of God if you only listen and seek. He is alive in the everyday details and if He can use me, He will use you to perform acts of mercy this community is so desperate for.
With this, I would like to say a few words about your staff, who serve in ways you do not always see or can accurately appreciate because of their attitude and love for you.
Cheryl Simon: She is one of the most caring people I know. For the few of us who get to spend hours around her know, her coolness factor is understated while still being a staff mom we so desperately need. Her and Jeff are without a doubt two of my favorite people. Cheryl serves so much behind the scenes, making this church what it is, that you may not even know her or interact with her family. The way she puts together events like communion, membership classes, and countless other events, and the ability to make it seem effortless is a rare grace given to WR. If anyone thinks the church is organized or any semblance of maturity, it is probably her doing. Many things she deals with would frustrate the common person. Yet, she has an incredible super power to not only handle these small fires, but check in on you while she does it.
Pastor Ron Boehm: If you told me 10 years ago that I would be on staff with Dr. Ron Boehm, I would ask if you had been drinking. The first time I heard him preach, I was a young believer who felt like he had grown to full spiritual truth within the 45 minutes he captivated my heart and mind. Not only is Ron one of the best teachers I know, he also exemplifies a pastor’s heart. It is genuine, kind, and always willing to give from a wealth of wisdom I admire and respect to no end. Whether with a Bible or a tool belt, Pastor Ron serves, loves, and prays for the church with a tender father’s heart. If I can turn out to be half the man Pastor Ron is, I will deem my life a success.
April Decipeda: If you were to create the ideal person to watch your kids and build a children’s ministry, the majority of the traits would be found within April Decipeda. Her counselors heart has been open for me so many times, I felt like she had the right to bill me at the end. Her care for the kids of the church – giving them awesome experiences and teaching them the WHO of Jesus – makes her an incredible gift from God. On top of that, her husband is one of the most open hearted, kind, and funny men you will ever meet. Our kids are safe, loved, and have fun in church (rare) because of these two who tirelessly fight for the “ultimate” with there family and for yours. You would be hard-pressed to find a more loving shepherd (pastor) of children.
Sarah McMahon: Sarah is like a sister to me. With a quick glimpse or an eye roll, she knew exactly what I was thinking. She has the sense of humor often missing on church staffs. It is quirky, dry, and borderline inappropriate. Her professionalism is next to none, but the way she leads her team should be written for other churches to take notes. Honestly, if there was a all church draft, she would be my top pick. Her love for others, and the way her heart breaks for you is tender, true, and noble.
Pastor Josh Allen: I cannot write about Josh without tears. If you were to ask what a pastor does – what his life is to be about – then you need to look no farther than Pastor Josh. Countless times I have seen him support, care for, stay up all night with, cry for, and give of his family’s time and limited resources. Josh and his family exemplify a life lived for the Gospel, a life lived of joyful sacrifice. He truly lives his life to make others better and has without a doubt, shaped my life in ways he and Jen do not even know. You cannot leave a conversation with Josh without feeling a little better about your circumstances and a little more hopeful about life in general. While he might be the most brilliant person on staff, he is too humble to show it. The worship culture at our church is what it is because of his authentic leadership. He honestly leaves nothing back. He is also the most creative leader I know. For years, without a budget, not only did he “find resources” but he did more with less, than anyone I have ever seen.
Pastor Jason Haymaker: Grace. If I can sum up one phrase to properly respect Jason, and his family, it is this. The grace they show, even those who have hurt and wronged them, is nothing short of admirable. Throughout the years, he has given me more than I deserved, while never keeping a tally of wrongs or misdeeds. The honor he looks to show, even of his critics, is noble and seemingly impossible at his point of leadership. No leader is perfect, and Jason never will say differently, but Jason is the pastor WR clearly needs right now. His dream and passion for you to reach your redemptive potential is trustworthy and genuine. As a leader of a church, you quietly take hits for your people, many of them painful and all of them personal. Spiritual attack is no greater than on a church’s lead pastor. While many of us would wave the white flag, Pastor Jason’s resolve grows stronger while diving deeper into a faith I admire. The last few years especially, I have seen Jason move even deeper into a father’s heart for you; one which aches with your failings and cheers with your successes. Marcie, Emily, and Caleb have become more than just a church family, but a heartbeat and a constant encouragement to those who are overlooked or hurting.
This is your staff Western Reserve. They love you.
I love you. Thank you for the last few years. Thank you for the faith in which you carry our name into the community. There is a movement happening in the surrounding area and it is all because you said “yes”.
Forever in your debt and with gratitude,
– Matt
Matt simon blog 