Journals @ Awaken This HeartThe musings of Pastor Corey Gibson on leadership, ministry and life.

11 months ago I resigned my position at a great church in Tennessee, that I was a part of for 19 months. And since then I have been apart of a long search to get back to what I love, ministering to young people at the right church. Through moments of faithfully waiting on the Lord, this season of transition & preparation, had its share of emotional roller-coasters, questioning – Are we there yet? and seeking the will of the Lord for myself. Lots of internal battles of uncertainty, loneliness, fear, lack of calling/giftedness and overwhelming tiredness that only my closest friends know. The feeling of not wanting to go to church or even pray (and I love both)… plus the weight of needing constant encouragement. I am super thankful for so many people who absolutely believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. With that, I share this moment and announcement with them, for it was them who kept pushing me forward, even despite of their own (good or positive) desires/wishes for me. I still believe in the promises of God… the calling he placed in my life over 12 years ago and the hope that what he promised, he’s faithful to complete.

With all this being said, I am elated to officially announce that I’ve found a church the Lord has called me towards in this next season. I have accepted a role @ The River Church in Kalamazoo, MI to become their new Student Pastor – Youth & College Pastor. I will be relocating to this new city at the end of August, and anticipate the Lord doing marvelous things in and through us. The River is a growing, life-giving church with a lot of passion for Jesus and for their community. I had a chance to meet with their Lead Pastor, Rob Link and the rest of the leadership. Spent a few days with them here in Atlanta and flew up to Michigan to spend the Weekend with the Church.

As I step in this new role, I will be leading & overseeing all the ministries to 6-12th grade as my main focus; then leading and providing oversight of the college & young adults ministry; recruiting, training & leading a team of staff, interns & volunteers leaders (adults & students), a ministry to parents and finally creating a fun/engaging Christ-centered, creative and outward-focus (generous living/service) to young people. In order to transition properly, I will be partnering up with the current Student Pastor, Dan Smith, for the next 3 months. This will help me get the culture and DNA of the River, while developing community and leading. Like with anything new, there are huge steps of faith on both parties; huge step for me to relocate to a new city/region/climate and pastor at a growing inner city church (900+ attendance) and for The River Church to bring in a new staff pastor to pastor their young people. I would love your support (prayers, encouragements, etc) as we move forward. This is my prayer, that God would revive his wonderful fame/deeds (Habakkuk 3:2) in us as we have an expectancy of Him (Luke 8:40, Ephesians 3:16-20) as we live out the Gospel.

“It’s in the place of obscurity where Jesus develops you… the real you!” – Pastor Jason Laird

This scripture has wrecked & pierced me this entire for the last 6 months.. “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.” – Psalm 105:19 /// with all the dreams in my heart and promises over my life, I am still in the waiting stage till the Lord fulfill them BUT he is testing and teaching me about my character. What you do between the Promise and the Payoff is absolutely critical. How will you be found during the meantime of obscurity & greatness?

Pastor Corey