Hi Friends,
I want to end this week by answering a question many have asked me: Do I miss being a pastor?
The answer is a resounding yes.
I miss baptizing babies and burying the saints. I miss studying the Word and preaching it. I miss leading chapels, retreats, mission trips, and fellowship events. Susan and I deeply miss the joy and privilege of leadership we shared for over twenty years at Advent, and more than forty years of ministry together. We thank God for the incredible honor of helping lead his people into deeper faith, hope, and love.
But this is also a good reminder: serving God is not limited to leading within the church.
Susan continues her ministry every day—helping heal trauma, restore marriages, and rebuild lives as a counselor. Her work with the Freedom Challenge continues to fight against human trafficking and bring hope to those in darkness.
As for me, I am grateful that Boca Helping Hands served over 3.5 million meals this past year and helped 54 individuals move into stable, good-paying jobs. And our ministry to our family—especially our four grandchildren—brings us endless joy.
We may miss church leadership, but we are excited to join you in ministry beyond the walls.
I now have a deeper appreciation for how challenging it is to live out your faith in the world.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your pastor. It is an honor now to stand beside you—as a fellow laborer in the vineyard of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Andy
Blessing,
Andrew Hagen
Boca Helping Hands, Director