Both of my grandfathers were church pastors; both parents were PKs. What shaped me, though, is that my grandfathers couldn’t have been more different.

If you’ve read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, it’s a good analogy.

On one side there was “highly educated, orator grandpa.” On the other was “self-educated-but-wise grandpa.” Their theologies and approaches to ministry were just as different — one was Presbyterian, the other was Pentecostal.

The challenge in the broader, extended family context was that their differences were the source of conflict rather than dialogue.

This context — and conflict — shaped me to be, at the core of my being, a “watchman” who appreciates the Rupertus Meldenius-popularized axiom, "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

He said, “You’ll know.”

Years ago when the grandfathers were still alive, I approached each of them. I asked, “How do you assess the call to ministry?”

“Educated, orator grandpa” was gleeful in his response and recounted the story of how he’d consecrated me when I was born (I was the firstborn grandson). He shared about how he and grandma had been praying for years for that very thing, particularly through my (very!) wayward years. Grandma confirmed this multiple times even after grandpa’s death, including right before her own passing in September 2022 (at 94 years young).

Uneducated/self-educated-but-wise grandpa’s answer? He simply said, “You’ll know.”

And so it is. Both were correct. I DO know.

In fact, my whole life has pointed to it. To use a double negative, I can’t not teach…I can’t not help but try to move someone one notch closer to Jesus.

Perhaps most importantly, “the call” in my life to ministry has been affirmed by many (including the references you will call and speak to).

I do know. And it’s time for the next step.

There’s more to the story (why and how I know the time to act is now). But fast forward a bunch of years from the conversations with the grandfathers.

I’ve been tri-vocational: 1) a DMin student now done with everything but the final thesis project, 2) pastoring (currently “Ministry Resident” at Journey Church Tacoma) and those who reach out after listening to my daily Bible reading podcast), and 3) working (part time) as the Head of Strategy in the segment of the tech industry I’ve been part of for a long time (webinar/virtual events/livestreaming).

But now, Lord willing, Kristine and I are ready to move to the community where we will serve covenantally.

The request

In one sense, I’m not 19 anymore. I’ve started multiple companies, led teams and non-profits, written books, and traveled the world as a professional speaker.

In another sense, I’m not the pastoral candidate with the long church resume’ and a deep bench of YouTube preaching videos (most of my preaching experience was done with American Missionary Fellowship in small rural churches before any were online).

My request? I ask for your imagination and that you consider my transferrable experience.

Here is but one category…

• I’m an accomplished and credentialed professional speaker in the secular world. I’ve trained tens of thousands of people.

• I’ve a deep (and eclectic) educational background theological (Masters in apologetics, and should all go well, I’m about 12 months away from having my DMin in Spiritual Formation).

• I’ve certifications that assist helping people discover wiring and gifting — Relational Spirituality/Spiritual Transformation Index, John Maxwell Leadership, and Core Values Index.

• I’ve a voice and passion for getting others to trust their Bibles as God’s word — and this shows up in a daily Bible reading podcast now nearly 2500 episodes in (in a bit more than seven years).

• Importantly, I LOVE people and have already been shepherding people for a long time.

Is this the same as being a primary pastor. No, I’m not saying it is.

But I hope that more than having demonstrable transferrable skills and plenty of education is that what I really bring is a humble, willing-to-learn heart and pastor/elder qualifications.

It’s as if I have a lot of experience as a jazz musician, but if I join your rock band it’ll take a little time to adjust the chops.

Of course, if it’s not Spirit-powered and led, it’s all for nothing.

I trust that the right church will investigate prayerfully deeply enough to “know,” like I do, that I’ve a host of transferrable skills beyond those I just shared. I trust you’ll find that God has equipped and called me to bring humility, curiosity, and patience to the table along with Titus/Timothy qualifications.

What next?

This website is about saving you time as you ask a lot of questions.

Kristine and I are looking for a covenantal home, serving the Lord by serving you, your people, your community. It’s not a job…and if God calls us through you to the flock we’ll serve together, Kristine and I are ready for the long term.

It’s what my grandpas did. Both of them pastored/preached into their 80s. For all their differences, the both knew serving the Lord by serving others was their calling.

That’s how Kristine and I think. It’s not a job, it’s a mission…and God’s mission at that.

I hope it’s how you think, too. If so, I’d love to chat and pray with you about it.

For His glory,

Roger (& Kristine!) Courville

P.S. Don’t see an answer to a question? Give a shout.