A Story of Faith and Calling
Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director
Growth in faith is not confined to a single season of life. It is a lifelong journey — one that often reveals God's calling in surprising ways. I've seen this truth lived out most vividly in the life of my father, who answered the call to ministry not in his youth but as a second-career pastor.
My father’s decision to pursue pastoral ministry later in life was one of the most defining moments of my own life. At an age when many are settling into routine, he felt a stirring from the Lord that couldn’t be ignored.
With my mother’s support, he moved our family from a quiet town in western Iowa to the unfamiliar bustle of St. Paul, Minn. He didn’t have a college degree at the time, so the road ahead meant eight years of schooling—twice the typical path for second-career pastors. I still remember arriving at our new apartment with all our belongings packed into a horse trailer, freshly cleaned by my uncle for the occasion. It was a humble beginning to a bold new chapter.
Though his time in ministry was marked by unexpected challenges and health struggles, my father never lost his sense of purpose. He radiated a quiet confidence and deep contentment that could only come from knowing he was carrying out God’s will. His courage to follow that call, even when the outcome was uncertain, changed the trajectory of my life. It taught me that growing in grace and knowledge is an ongoing journey, even when the path is long and the destination unclear.
Looking back, I realize how much that season shaped me. Watching my father study late into the night, preach with conviction, and serve with humility left an imprint on my heart. It taught me that ministry isn’t about titles or timelines—it’s about obedience. It’s about trusting that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations. It’s about growing in grace and knowledge, day by day.
I love the theme of this month’s Broadcaster Magazine because it was such an important part of my own life. Second-career pastors bring with them a wealth of life experiences—perspectives shaped by the workplace, by raising families, by navigating the complexities of the world outside the church walls. They understand the joys and burdens of everyday life in a way that resonates deeply with their congregations. Their ministry is often laced with real-world perseverance, and their pastoral care is grounded in empathy born from lived experience.
In many ways, their journey mirrors the message of 2 Peter 3:18. Growth in grace and knowledge is not a destination but a direction. It’s not something we achieve and then move on from; it’s something we pursue daily, in every season of life. Whether one is just beginning their walk with Christ or stepping into a new chapter of service, we are all called to grow.
My father’s story continues to shape how I understand growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. His ministry may not have unfolded the way he envisioned, but the impact of his obedience is still felt. He poured into others with quiet strength, and the seeds he planted continue to grow. His life reminds me—and I hope it reminds others—that it’s never too late to follow where God leads.
At Worship Anew, we believe that God continues to work through His people in every season of life. The story of my father—and of so many second-career pastors—is a powerful reminder that spiritual growth doesn’t stop with age. In fact, it often deepens. Our mission is to proclaim Christ’s love to those who may feel overlooked or forgotten, especially older adults. And what a joy it is to affirm that God is still calling, still equipping, and still growing His people in grace and knowledge—whether in the pulpit, the pew, or the quiet moments of daily life.
As I reflect on his life, I’m reminded that God’s call is not limited by age, background, or circumstances. It can come in the middle of a career, in the quiet of retirement, or in the chaos of transition. What matters is that we put our trust in the Lord. My father responded with courage, humility, and unwavering faith. And in doing so, he showed me—and so many others—what it means to live a life surrendered to Christ, always growing in grace and knowledge.
To Him be the glory—now and always.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18 ESV