On Sunday, February 16, we announced that Reed Chapman had resigned his position as Connections Pastor at The Ridge. 

To send Reed well, I’ve been thinking about things I appreciate about him. Here are five things I appreciate about Reed Chapman:

1. He asks the best (and weirdest) questions.
If you’ve ever been in a situation where Reed has asked an icebreaker question, you’ve likely been asked about your fourth favorite fruit. Hilariously, while we were interviewing our new staff member, Eli, Reed had a chance to ask them any question, and he asked, “What’s your greatest fear?” I still chuckle about the looks on Eli and his wife Lauren’s faces, and they actually tried to answer him.

2. He knows your name (and your dog’s name).
If Reed had a superpower, it would be name-recall. He knows your name, your dog’s name, and a lot of other details. It’s an amazing way that he helps people feel known and loved. It’s really fun to see him do his thing on a Sunday morning in the atrium, bouncing from person to person to make sure everyone feels welcome.

3. He wants what is best for everyone he meets.
Reed genuinely wants people to grow in their relationship with Jesus. If he’s met you, he considers you a friend, and he wants what is very best for you. I admire his desire for people to grow, and I am grateful for the ways he has helped people do so here at The Ridge.

4. He desires to follow God with all he’s got.
As I’ve gotten the opportunity to work alongside Reed, I’ve seen firsthand how much he desires to follow God and honor Jesus with what he does. He would be the first to say he doesn’t always do that perfectly, but I never doubt that he is really trying to do what is right. I’m grateful we’ve gotten to have the conversations we have as he enters into this next season of his life, and I know whatever is next, he and Vina will follow God with all they’ve got.

5. He’s my friend.
It’s clear to me that Reed cares deeply about people, and I am grateful to be able to call him my friend. I want what is best for his family, and I am praying that God continues to guide them and love them and provide for them. I’ll miss seeing my friend as regularly as I do right now, but I also know that God’s timing and plan is perfect.

Join me in wishing Reed and Vina well at the open house this coming Sunday, March 2, after the 11:00 AM service in the cafe, and feel free to ask Reed the weirdest icebreaker question you can come up with!