Every year, the DSC elders set aside an evening to take questions from DSC members. It’s called the “Elders Q&A.”

Our next Elders Q&A will take place on the last Wednesday of this month, September 27, at 6:30 PM, with dinner together at 5:30 PM.

If you have a question, we hope you will submit it. Here are four ways to ask your questions:

• Write: Submit your question using your bulletin Comment Card on Sunday and drop that in an offering box.
• Email: Email your question to info@desertspringschurch.org.
• Tell: Communicate your question for the Q&A to an elder in person or through email. Click here for faces and emails.
• Show: Show up with your question on the 27th. The elders will take some questions from a mic during the evening.

Of course, it would be helpful to receive your questions early. This helps the elders notice recurring themes, know how to devote time to particular questions, and spend time in a way that best serves the congregation. Any questions that are not addressed at the Q&A will be answered through the DSC Blog or by email.

Before the Q&A, get acquainted with DSC’s elders by reading their biographies on the Leadership Page, send them an email, or reach out to them on a Sunday morning.

Also, audio from previous Elder Q&A evenings is available at our Messages Page under the topic “Elder Q&A.” For a few recaps from previous years, click here, here, here, and here.

See you at the Q&A on September 27 at 6:30 PM!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is the second in a  two-part interview with Josiah B., DSC’s new Minister of Local and Global Missions. In Part 1 we learned a bit about Josiah’s background and how he met Janice. Here in Part 2 we’ll learn a bit about Josiah’s approach to evangelism and missions, as well as some of the larger influences on Josiah’s life.

In Part 2 we’ll focus here on some questions about evangelism. Let’s start where we must: what is the gospel?

The Gospel is the Good News that although we were undeserving hell-bound sinners, God loved us and sent His Son to live the life we should have lived and die the death we should have died. This God-man was buried and rose again on the third day, promising eternal life and the forgiveness of sins to all who turn away from their sin and trust in Him alone for their salvation.

In your daily life, in what ways are you cultivating evangelistic opportunities? How have you helped others to do the same?

We invest in our neighbors by taking time to linger and have conversations about life with them, pray with them, show them hospitality. Because I spend a lot of time with students, and they bring a lot of unchurched friends to church with them, I also have the opportunity to build relationships with those students who do not know Christ. I then model evangelism for the students I am discipling by taking them alongside with me as I intentionally have conversations with those lost students. I also try to use the same vendors and build relationships with outsiders in that way. For example, our church in Oklahoma hosts events to attract local kids and families to the church, and my responsibility is often ordering a bounce house. I gladly use this as an opportunity to call a local Jordanian man who happens to rent this type of equipment. He brings the equipment and comes to collect it afterward. Each time he comes, he stays and lingers with me, and we have long conversations. He often asks me questions that give me straight-foward opportunities to share with him the reason for my hope in Christ. It is sometimes hard for those of us who spend the majority of our time in a church building to have meaningful relationships with the lost world, but I have found that if I am strategic and go to the same people each time, then I can build relationships with them and get more opportunities to share the gospel.

What are the two best books you’ve read on evangelism and why?

My perspective on evangelism was really changed through reading both Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus by J. Mack Stiles and The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever. First, Stiles showed the value of building an evangelistic culture within the church. Many Christians want to leave evangelism to vocational ministers, or to justify big productions as their sole means of participating in the Great Commission. However, with a biblical approach, the entire church is involved in this Great Commission. The second book by Dever realigned my evangelism strategies. He argues that while apologetics, feeding the poor, inviting people to church, etc. are all good and necessary things, they are not evangelism. When we do these things, we might be tempted to pat ourselves on the back for a job well-done, but Dever reminds the reader that if the gospel is not shared, evangelism has not taken place. This book is a kick in the pants to believers to go and evangelize!

How would you shepherd the person who says, “I don’t really think sharing the gospel is for me. Other people are good at that but I seem to struggle”?

I would encourage a person to re-evaluate how they define success in evangelism. Since we know that ultimately we cannot change hearts (that’s God’s job!), we need to take the emphasis off of the response of the individual, and instead be more concerned with being faithful to what Christ has commanded us. The Great Commission is for all believers, not just for those who are the most persuasive or articulate. Also, for the person who is struggling, I would say that evangelism is like any other discipline in that it requires some practice to feel more natural. Just like I must discipline myself to read God’s Word even in seasons when I don’t “feel like it,” I must also practice the discipline of evangelism, even if it does feel a little awkward at first, because in time it does get easier and feels more natural. If someone is eager to share but has never done so before and is nervous about it, I like to encourage them to practice sharing the gospel with a loved one. There’s no pressure, and once the message of the gospel comes out of our own lips a few times, we’ll find that we are better prepared in a more spontaneous situation where we might feel nervous. God is faithful. He empowers us by his Spirit. We just need to be obedient, and by His grace, He’ll help us.

Now, for some general influences on your life. What’s your favorite book of the Bible and why?

I would say I’m very fond of the book of James. Growing up in the Bible Belt, many people talk a lot about faith, but you won’t hear so much talk about works. There’s a lot of talk about blessings that are often material in nature and the good things God has stored up for a person, but you won’t hear a lot of acknowledgments about how God’s good will might actually involve trial and suffering in a person’s life. Since being a teenager, the book of James has always been an encouragement to me to put on good works through faith. We are saved by faith alone, but faith is never alone. I think this message is especially important for a culture swept away with “easy believism” thinking that having warm fuzzies in their heart at one time in the past and saying a prayer equates having a saving faith in Christ. I am also so encouraged to read James’ admonishment that we can embrace the trials that God allows in our life with joy, trusting that our faith will be refined in our suffering and that He will be brought glory.

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

It was upon reading The Pleasures of God by John Piper that I first felt a desire to go overseas in order to preach the Gospel to those that do not have access to it. In this delightful book Piper describes the transcendence and magnificent beauty of God, and he calls readers to persuade others to delight in a God who is worthy of all of our praise. Through this book the Lord stirred up in me a desire to see others delight in God unto His glory. This book ultimately persuaded me to change my M. Div. focus from pastoral ministry to international church planting.

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

The most influential sermon I’ve heard would have been from my pastor when I was a young child. I don’t remember all of the specifics, but he did spend some time talking about hell. At the time I realized that I was separated from God and didn’t have a right relationship with Him. This led me to later talk to my dad, and after hearing the Good News that Jesus died for sinners like me, I repented of my sins and trusted in Jesus and my Lord and my Savior.

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

I enjoy cooking, baking bread, and roasting coffee.

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

I was probably around 5 years old, and my brother would have been about 9. He had a fundraiser for school, and my mom showed her loving support by buying a chocolate bunny. She hid it up high in a cabinet, not knowing that someone had been watching! Being the cunning five-year-old I was, I got up in the middle of the night, climbed up high, reached into the cabinet, and procured my prize. I crept through the hallway, slipped into the bathroom, and quietly enjoyed my midnight snack in solitude. When I was finished eating the entire chocolate bunny, I responsibly placed the wrapper inside the trashcan (I wasn’t a barbarian, after all!)  for my mother to subsequently find the next day. The dumbest thing about this story? A couple years later my brother got a chocolate snowman, and it disappeared and was disposed of in the very same way.

Any odd talents that we should know about up front?

After years of working in student ministry, I have developed a stare that can make a middle school boy reconsider his actions.

What’s your favorite animal, and why?

Cows, because they are delicious.

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

A Lobo is a wolf and the mascot for the University of New Mexico. The Isotopes, if I am not mistaken, are a minor league baseball team. (This came up in my interview!) Carne Adovada is a meat dish. I don’t know what that last word is, but it’s obviously meat.

And, for one last question, red or green?

Green.