Archive for April, 2017


Apr 17

Interview with Asher Griffin, Part 2

2017 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Announcement

This is the second in a two-part interview with Asher Griffin, DSC’s new Minister of Theological Training. In Part 1 we learned a bit about Asher’s background and how he met Brooke. Here in Part 2 we’ll learn about some of the larger influences on his life.

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In Part 2 we’ll focus on some of the influences on your life. What’s your favorite book of the Bible and why?

Psalms. I love this book because I think it captures everything God wants me to see, know, and feel about Him. And you can’t make sense of any of that without hoping for and seeing the Son of God as the Savior. I’m not a fan of poetry (always dreaded it in English classes). But with the Psalms, I can pray to God, learn about Him, see His work, and hope in His will.

What book or author has had the most impact on your life, besides the Bible?

There are so many! Jerry Bridges’, The Practice of Godliness, was so helpful to me in college, and I’m always trying to read it with other people. R.C. Sproul’s, The Holiness of God, is a book that I wish I read every year. Don Whitney’s, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, was helpful in college and in seminary to help me craft a devotional, spiritual life. Don’s section on prayer (now its own book) completely changed my prayer life.

But John Bunyan’s, Pilgrim’s Progress, is, I think, the best book ever written. I’ve read it several times and every time there’s something more that shows me the goodness of God. I try to reread it every year.

Tell us about the most influential sermon you’ve heard?

I started listening to Martyn Lloyd-Jones sermons in college, and remember being mesmerized by his sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10 titled: “But God”. I was out on a jog around OSU’s campus and by the end I was just standing on a sidewalk listening to the last 20 minutes feeling overwhelmed God’s love.

For what seems like most of my life, I’ve been surrounded by good preaching. Growing up, my parents would listen to John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul every time we were in the car. I grew up in a great, expositional preaching church. And while I was in college, iTunes exploded and friends would introduce me to preachers like Alistair Begg, John Piper, Matt Chandler, and many more.

How do you like to spend your down time? Any hobbies?

Brooke and I can truly lounge. And we enjoy hanging out with people, having coffee, and having people over to our house. Beyond that, I like tinkering around on house projects, backpacking/camping, and reading. When I lived in Virginia, I would cycle a lot. I plan to get back into that.

Okay, now a few left fielders. What is the dumbest thing you did as a kid?

My mom has taught gym for most of my life. So, after school, we were in a constant onslaught of climbing, scootering, throwing anything, and jumping off everything. Let’s just say that glow-in-the-dark roller blade hockey in the halls was just the beginning. It’s amazing I’m still alive.

Any odd talents that we should know about up front?

I have this weird ability of recalling things or books by their color. For example: I used to organize all my books by the book cover’s color, and I could always find things. What’s the book by J.I. Packer on godliness? I have no idea, but it’s green. This annoyed and freaked people out so I changed it up. And now I have no idea where any book is.

What’s your favorite animal, and why?

I like dogs. Brooke LOVES dogs. Dogs are fun, up for anything, and dependable. Brooke and I have both had dogs as pets growing up. Some were amazing, and some are truly laughable. And Brooke asks if we can get a puppy nearly every day.

Without going to the internet, do you know what a Lobo is? An Isotope? Carne Adovada?

Yeh, Lobo basketball! I want to see a game in The Pit. I’ve seen the Isotopes play in Oklahoma City several times. And Carne Adovada sounds like something I’d eat, but I don’t know what it is.

And, for one last question, red or green?

Christmas.

Apr 13

Easter Weekend Services and a Special Request

2017 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Announcement

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
– 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

This weekend we will remember and praise God for that which is of first importance: the death and the resurrection of Christ! Here’s a reminder of our Good Friday and Easter Sunday service times:

  • Friday, April 14: Good Friday service at 6:30 PM with childcare for children four years old and under
  • Sunday, April 16: Easter services at 7:30, 9:00, and 10:45 AM, with childcare for all children during the later two services.

Of course, don’t forget to invite someone to our weekend services. Here’s a digital invitation to make that easy. And if you do, make sure they know to be early to whatever service they join us for.

A Special Request for Easter Morning

If possible, on Sunday morning, please attend the 7:30 AM service. Imagine that you come to church once a year and this year a friend from DSC invited you to church. You plan to arrive when service starts. You show up maybe even five minutes early, but you are directed to an overflow room to watch the service on a TV. This is too-bad at a number of levels. But it is preventable if several hundred of our normal attenders attend the 7:30 AM service instead of their regular service.

If you have young children, this may not work, as we don’t provide childcare for this service. Or if you are inviting a friend or family member to join, 7:30 AM may not be the better time. But if it’s a matter of convenience we would ask that you do come early to ensure a seat for our many guests who will attend the later services. Thanks for helping us be hospitable.

Apr 10

Interview with Asher Griffin, Part 1

2017 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Announcement

On Sunday, March 26, we introduced you to Asher Griffin, a man we were considering for Minister of Theological Training. More recently we announced that we invited Asher to come and that he accepted. We’re thrilled about this, as are so many of you who have expressed excitement for Asher and Brooke to come.

Asher and Brooke are still in Oklahoma and plan to move for Asher to start at DSC on May 1.

In the middle of his own fury of transition details, Asher was kind to take some time to answer some questions for us. In Part 1 we’ll learn a bit about Asher’s background and family. In Part 2 we’ll learn about some of the more profound influences in his life.

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We sure look forward to having you here. Thanks for doing this interview with us. How are you and Brooke doing?

We’re doing great; thanks for asking! We couldn’t be more excited to get out to Albuquerque. In fact, probably every night, one of us will say something like: “I just reeeeeeally want to get there.” We’ll miss many people in Oklahoma, but we’re so grateful to be coming to DSC. We’ve only felt true peace and eagerness in this. It’s been a great season for us.

Let’s start with your salvation story. How did the Lord save you? You can give us the brief version here, and we’ll have the chance to get better acquainted later.

I’ll try to be brief. God saved me at a young age by showing me His glory and power through His Word, conversations with my parents, our church, and some older friends. I’ve always been a worrywart. And because of that, I was taught and shown how God brings ultimate peace and comfort through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and reign over everything. I never had doubt that I was a sinner, but I started to understand more and more that my sins not only had consequences, but finally must be dealt with. That was alarming to my conscience, even at a young age. My parents were careful and clear in explaining that Jesus took the place of repentant sinners on the cross and conquers death and sin. Over time, my faith became a reality and there was a shift from fear and regret to eagerness to trust in God and see Him as my Savior and hope, not my abilities or efforts. I was baptized a couple of years later. I still have doubts and I still worry, but those moments have an endpoint when I remember God’s love for me, remind myself of His perfect will and promise, and rejoice in the truth that Jesus saved me for rest and enjoyment.

Now, some context for your life and ministry. Tell us, briefly, where have you lived and what were you doing there? Tell us about degrees, some jobs you’ve had, and how you’ve served in ministry.

I’ve lived in Oklahoma, Washington D.C., Alaska, Kentucky, and Virginia. I grew up north of Oklahoma City, where I loved playing sports, school, friends, church, and outdoor stuff.

Things got logistically dramatic during my 20s as I attended Oklahoma State University. College was sanctifying. I joined my first church there, lived with nearly 20 people in 4 years, grew up a lot, and really saw the importance of being a disciple of Jesus. For a little bit, I lived in Washington D.C., working for the White House during the Bush administration. I lived in a town north of Tulsa, OK, working a short accounting stint for ConocoPhillips. I lived in Anchorage, AK, for a summer doing more accounting things with ConocoPhillips. In 2009, I moved to Louisville, KY, to go to seminary. Before finishing seminary, I moved to Charlottesville, VA, to serve at a church for nearly 2 years before then moving back to Louisville so that I could finish my M.Div. in 2013. In the fall of 2013, I moved back to my hometown and began serving at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, where I met Brooke, got married, and turned 30.

It was toward the very end of college (2008) that I made the switch from going the business route to then wanting to be a preacher and pastor. Growing up, I always thought highly of pastors, but never in my life saw it as something I’d want to be. It was after roughly two years of seeing the balance of ministry, career ambitions, and discipleship unfold to where I believe God made it clear that I truly want to vocationally pastor, pray, and preach. He’s been kind to let me serve, intern, and pastor within His churches, and I hope each step keeps preparing me for more ministry.

You’re newly married! Tell us about how you met Brooke and how things progressed to marriage.

Ah, Brooke is an ongoing answer to prayer and is truly lovely. Her mom introduced us at church on Good Friday in 2014 (Brooke grew up at Henderson Hills). Months later, she was home for the summer and I kept “accidentally” seeing her and chatting with her in the church lobby before or after services. So, I finally called her cell a couple weeks later, and after 98 dates (I have a list of all of them) in 6 months, I proposed.

Our “dating” was fast, but I believe God prepared us both for not only that whirlwind, but also the desire to spend a lifetime together in marriage. From our first date, I knew that Brooke was an amazing Christian woman, that I wanted to be around her, and that I’d never stop calling her. We got married in the summer of 2015 and it has been wonderful.

How did you first find out about DSC and what resonated most with you in learning about our church?

Well, I first heard of DSC when Trent Hunter went there in 2010. Trent and I were friends in seminary, so I followed his work and life through social media. He emailed me about this role in February, and I was pretty hooked.

From the outside, DSC looks good: great preaching, great music that you can hear from the website, elder leadership, and helpful doctrinal papers and stances. But to be honest, when I came as a candidate in March, it became clear how great a fellowship it is. On DSC’s inside, we saw that: the people were so kind, they were so great to Brooke, the elements of the worship service were just what we were hoping for, and the interview process with the elders greatly encouraged me. When we flew back to Oklahoma, we deeply desired to be invited back.

You’re serving in an associate ministry role at your current church. What is the same and what is different about the role you’re taking as Minister of Theological Training?

I expect a lot to be the same and a lot to be different. I expect it to be the same in that when I walk into a church building, a home, a hospital, or a coffee meeting, ultimately, I’m entrusted with the task of shepherding people. And I love that. That’s the most affirming thing I get to do daily – I get the opportunity to listen to others tell about God working in their own and other people’s lives, and I get to participate in sharing and showing God’s love and watch others do the same. We’re all called to that in some degree, but I get to do it vocationally. I’m so grateful for that.

Differences will be vast in several ways. First, I’m not from New Mexico. I expect the culture of people, the personality of Albuquerque, and the rhythms of DSC to be different than what I’m used to. Which is great, but it’ll take a little bit for Brooke and I to observe, listen, and understand. Second, I’ll be so thankful every chance I get to preach, teach, or lead a ministry/project within my own church. I do a lot of pulpit supply now, which is fun. But it’s even better when you preach a sermon for people you know, are entrusted to, and love already. It allows you to pray differently, preach more personally, and focus on the Word’s connection with specific groups even more.

You’ve completed a Master’s of Divinity at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Tell us about that degree and how it will help you in your role here.

I had a great experience at Southern. It was very hard for me to transition from a business mentality in college (and just the social atmosphere of college) to a more rigorous academic culture. On top of that, I was quickly beginning to grow in what it means to pastor people. But at Southern, I really loved learning about how to use God’s Word, and began trying to give my life to others within the church. I joined a great church and was influenced by some tremendous people. It was a great time of enjoying God through His Word and His Church.

Imagine seminary being a man standing in front of a class, holding up the Bible, and saying “trust the God of this Book.” That’s what seminary was to me. I believe my role at DSC will allow me to encourage people to delight in the Lord, to trust and use His Word, to not shy away from growing alongside others, and to be merciful to a world who needs Him. That’s what I gained from a life in the church and a season at Southern. A small picture of my role may look like leading through a conference, having coffees here and there, getting others to teach short theology courses, or preaching some sermons. But the big picture: together, we’re trying to worship God like He deserves, and we hope others see who we’re worshipping.

Apr 7

Video Testimonies from Baptism Sunday, April 2, 2017

2017 | by Trent Hunter | Category: Baptism Video Testimonies

On April 2, we had the joy of witnessing the baptism of several brothers and sisters in Christ, four in the first service and six in the second. In case you missed one or both of the services, here are the video testimonies from those who were baptized.

As we listen, let us give praise to God for his Spirit’s work to fulfill Jesus’ words among us, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18–20).

9:00 AM Service

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10:45 AM Service

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