Archive for 2017


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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Mar 2

Songs from Clarus ’17

2017 | by Drew Hodge | Category: Clarus 17

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
    or who has been his counselor?”
 “Or who has given a gift to him
    that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

– Romans 11:33-36

We have a great God, and a great salvation! A Holy God declaring the unrighteous, righteous. What a privilege to share in this truth, handing it down from age to age, and to sing it! What a joy to delve the depths of God’s mercy and sing together again this year.

Below is a list of the songs used at this years conference. May they be used to renew your minds and tune your hearts.

Carissa & Ben Photography

Friday Night:

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Saturday Morning:

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Saturday Afternoon:

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Feb 28

Clarus ’17 Photo Roundup, Sunday, February 26

2017 | by Ben Moore | Category: Clarus 17

Carissa & Ben PhotographyCarissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Carissa & Ben Photography

Conference Photography by Ben Moore. Contact Ben at info@CarissaAndBen.com.

Feb 26

Session 8 Recap: Mark Dever, “Worship”

2017 | by Josiah | Category: Clarus 17

Editor’s Note: Josiah is the Missions Minister at Desert Springs Church in Albuquerque, NM. This post is a summary of Mark Dever’s message from Sunday morning at Clarus, February 26, “Worship,” from Romans 12.

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Many have falsely taught that worship is an experience of singing and an inward focus on our feelings—shutting out the world and our surroundings—but biblical worship is an offering of one’s whole self to God. We are living sacrifices, worshiping the Lord everywhere we are, every day of the week, in everything we do, and with everyone we know. Because of this, Mark Dever leads us through ten questions we must ask ourselves to assess whether our worship is biblical.

10 Questions to Assess our Worship

  1. Are you being transformed? When we rightly worship, we find ourselves becoming transformed. We display God’s character to creation and are no longer conformed to the patterns of this world. We come to this place of transformation by having our minds renewed through the studying of God’s Word.
  1. Are you thinking about yourself soberly? We all tend to exaggerate our own importance. Paul specifically cautions against thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought.
  1. Are you using your gifts? We need to look at the church body and see what the needs are and then seek to fulfill those needs. True biblical worship is using the gifts God has given us to love, bless, and edify others.
  1. Are you loving others? Worship is not just “me and Jesus.” Are we known for our love for others? This love is a devotion to honor others more than yourself.
  1. Are you persevering? We don’t persevere around suffering, we persevere through it. “Take up your cross and follow me.” Endure suffering with patience and with faithfulness in prayer.
  1. Are you sharing? The overflow of our affections for God and our appreciation for the gospel fuels the love that leads us to share with God’s people who are in need. We are to not only love the church, but pursue hospitality with strangers. No matter how you felt during the singing, if you are not loving the people around you, you are not worshiping God.
  1. Are you blessing? Worship involves blessing others. We are to say good things to and about others. We are to bless them and pray for them. True Christian worship involves blessing those who curse you. This is how God treated us.
  1. Are you sympathizing? Are you rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn? Some people think that Christianity is displayed through detachment from this world, but the image of God is reflected in sympathy.
  1. Are you being humble? Humility produces harmony. Where there is a lack of humility there will be a lack of harmony. Don’t just stick with those that share your values and interests. Cultivate relationships with those with whom you have nothing in common and that will display the gospel.
  1. Are you overcoming evil with good? Every time you seek revenge for evil acted against you, then you are screaming to God, “Oh God, please send me to hell!” We don’t want people to get what they deserve, but we ourselves deserve hell. Revenge is unnecessary. God will repay evil. Paul is more concerned with us not sinning and helping others to not sin, than he is with others sinning against you.

Conclusion: We are not passive worshipers, but having received grace, we are called to be exceedingly active in our sacrifice of worship. We are worshipers by nature, the question is: what or whom do we worship?