PASTOR APPRECIATION

Christian Kelley
Assistant Pastor

- Birthday: October 7
- Born and Raised: Right here in Marion, IN
- Married to: Ashlynn; June 3, 2017
- Hobbies/Interests: As of late, my wife and I have been avid pickleball players. Personally I am a big fan of disc golfing, playing guitar, and making really good coffee!
- Favorite Bible Verse & Why: My all time favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:1-2 that reads, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” It is a great reminder of the place that we hold as children of God. We are able to live among the world, but live differently than what the world tells us to. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we have the opportunity to live changed lives and have confidence that we are living the life God wants for us. For many, living in God’s will means having a good life and happiness in all of our situations. But this verse reminds us that we live as sacrifices, not for our own interests, but for the interest of others and what God would want for them as well. Each day I read this verse, I ask God to help me to live as a sacrifice and live according to his will, not the will of the world.
- Fun Fact: Along with playing guitar week in and week out, I once was an extremely talented saxophone player. My main instrument during middle and high school was the baritone saxophone, although I often played alto saxophone or tenor saxophone. I still play my alto for fun, but not in any kind of group setting.
- What you want others to know that you’re too humble/shy to broadcast: I love talking with people and listening to their stories. Often times my roles around the church have me fixing things around the building or putting together music in my office. I absolutely cherish the times I get to sit and listen to how God is working in the lives of those around me or the ways in which life isn’t quite as great as it ought to be. To me, being a Christian means listening to and loving on those around us and being the best friend one can be. We have to take advantage of the opportunities to connect with one another on a personal level.
- Bucket List Ideas: - I would absolutely love to go abroad and visit Europe and the Holy Land as well as go skydiving! I love adventure and thrills!
- How God is moving in your life right now: During this season, God has been my great sustainer. With sickness and death in our family, Ashlynn and I have had more than our fair share of grieving and sadness. We are so thankful for the ways that we have felt encouraged and built up during this season of sadness and pain. I glorify God daily for his strength in times of need and his love that helps us through the hard times.