FACE TO FACE
Reintroducing Josh Maurer, our new pastoral resident
It should come as no surprise that Josh Maurer majored in Bible and ministry with a music minor at Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, MI), and he has put his education to good use at College Church. Josh is finishing up his PhD in New Testament and biblical theology at Wheaton College with Doug Moo as he begins his pastoral residency. Josh and Caitlin, his wife of thirteen years, have three daughters Natalie, Celia and Annabelle and a son on the way (due September 30). Lorraine Triggs talked with Josh about serving, his dissertation and his residency. Tell us your story of faith. How did you come to Christ?
Josh Maurer
My spiritual journey began in my strong Christian home. My parents were actively involved in our church, remarkably consistent in attendance and diligent in family devotions at home. A favorite memory of Christmas mornings is my dad reading the birth narrative from Luke 2 (before presents) and reminding us of its ultimate significance, that Jesus was born to die as the Savior of the world as Luke 2:11 declares. I grew up with the grammar of Christianity and the example of imperfect, yet faithful Christian parents. I have faint memories of my conversion. I was seven years old. My mom, however, remembers every detail and tells me the story. We had attended an Easter musical on a Sunday evening at a large church about 30 minutes from where we lived. At the end of the production, the pastor came out, explained the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection and called for people to repent of their sins and receive the gift of forgiveness and new life in Jesus. According to my mom, I turned to her and said I wanted to be saved. I wanted to know Jesus. So, right there, she led me in a prayer (this part I vaguely remember) in which I confessed my sin and asked to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
How did you end up at College Church? When Caitlin and I decided we were coming to Wheaton College to pursue my PhD in New Testament and Biblical Theology, we began asking friends who had lived in the Chicago area if they had any churches they would recommend. Rod and Libby VanSolkema were among those we talked with and they recommended the church where Rod had served as high school pastor years ago: College Church. This was also the church of my doctoral mentor and advisor, Doug Moo. When we arrived in Wheaton, College Church was the first church we visited. We did visit other churches but decided to make College Church our home. Going out on a limb here, but music seems to play a big part in your life and ministries. How did that come about? We both have always had a love for music. We grew up with it in our families and, interestingly, each of us pursued it academically as well. Before college, we were involved with music ensembles in high school quite extensively, be it choirs, bands, youth group worship bands and so on. When it came time for college, I began my undergraduate study at Cornerstone University as a music major, with an emphasis on guitar performance. Though I shifted gears to Bible and theology, I did finish with more than enough credits for a minor in music.
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