Chad Skaran, pastor

     Growing up in the greater Rochester area as a child of faithful Christian parents, I became aware of my need of salvation and professed repentance and faith at a young age.  As I grew older, I sensed the continual leading of God toward some type of vocational ministry, and eventually studied youth ministries in college.  During that time, however, my ambitions were largely geared toward what sounded fun.  While I loved people, I had little interest in preaching (public speaking terrified me) or in some of the other parts of pastoring that seemed intimidating and laborious.

     After college, as God steadily continued to grow me as I became more familiar with His word, my heart toward pastoring began to change.  I became increasingly compelled by the richness of God's gracious work in salvation, and wanted everyone to know this amazing good news and how it changes a person from the inside out.  Preaching was no longer just a traditional part of church services; rather, it became an act of worship that inspires God's people to love Him supremely and serve Him joyfully.  Wanting to be prepared should God lead me into a pastorate, I started seminary (concentration in biblical counseling) in 2007.  That same year, I married my best friend, Tiffany.

     Four years later, God brought us to Stewartville and a small, determined congregation needing to exult in Jesus.  God's work here over the years since then has been unmistakeable--often thrilling, sometimes difficult, and always perfect.  It is an immense privilege to be used by Him to shepherd His people, and I am tremendously blessed to be a part of what He is doing in and through Redemption Hill.  I have never been more aware both of my own weakness and of His strength, and wouldn't want it any other way.  My prayerful ambition is that Jesus Christ will be clearly seen through my life of ministry, and that this church will be a shining embassy of the Kingdom of Heaven in this dark world.

     Tiffany and I have been blessed with five wonderful children who need the Savior just as much as do their parents.  Our home is full of books, music (especially piano), school work, sports (especially basketball and "ninja warrior"), coffee, many friends, and a baby painted turtle named Bubbles.  And outside, the weather is rarely bad for a good nature hike.

...I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. -- 1 Peter 5:1-4

…Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.  Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.  Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. -- 1 Timothy 4:12-16

The terms "pastor" ("shepherd"), "elder," and "overseer" ("bishop") are used synonymously in the Bible to refer to one distinct office, in this document identified as "pastor." (Acts 20:17-28, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-3)  Nearly without exception, clear biblical references to this office either describe or command a local church to have more than one such officer where qualified men are present. (Acts 14:21-23, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:5) -- Redemption Hill Church Constitution -- We covet your prayers that God would raise others up to serve us in this important role.