One of the great joys of working on a church and college staff for so many years was the privilege to work with a team. When God led me into evangelism, I never envisioned how He would providentially connect co-workers to us for the advancement of the gospel. The Lord of the harvest continues to answer prayer and send laborers in His own perfect time and way.

Sometimes God surprises us with how He provides. As Enjoying the Journey continues to expand, we increasingly realize the need for helpers who have a heart to give their gifts to the work of the gospel. I believe Luke, the beloved physician, did this when he joined Paul’s missionary team. We will never fulfill the Great Commission with paid staff and professional church workers. Believers who sit in our church pews every week must be engaged.

Michael and David Pack are such men. These twin brothers have worked for three decades at the highest level in the IT field. Over the last few months, the Lord led them to leave their positions and join the ETJ team. Michael and David have brilliant minds and great hearts. Both men are faithful members of our home church, diligent soul winners, and encouragers to the pastor. They have already been such a help to our team and are a personal blessing to me. 

You will see and hear more from them in the days ahead. Many of the new tools and resources that are in the pipeline will have their fingerprints on them. I am grateful for godly men who are willing to labor behind the scenes to further the cause of Christ. Would you pray for them?

In previous “Meet the Team” articles, I have tried to introduce the men and women who are helping us get the work done every day. Because Michael and David have such a unique testimony and perspective, I thought it would be good for you to hear a little of their journey in their own words. Ask the Lord how He might use you to help your pastor, strengthen your church, and advance the gospel at home and around the world.

– Scott Pauley

In late July 2025, I joined the ETJ team after nearly 30 years in the private sector as a software systems engineer. During those decades, I faithfully served in my local church in various ministries with my gifts. About a year ago, I sensed the Lord calling me away from my secular career. Looking back, I can see the Lord’s hand as He orchestrated events and spoke to me through His Word and through the preaching of faithful men. I would like to share four truths that became powerfully evident to me during this past year.

1. God Has Gifted Every Christian

One sermon I heard that year was a message from the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). As you recall, the master entrusted his servants with talents, expecting them to use them. Two were faithful, but one buried his talent until the master returned. The lesson is clear: we must not bury our gifts, but use them to serve the Lord. There is an additional lesson here, though. Notice that no servant received zero talents. Every Christian has at least one gift and is called to use it for God’s glory. What gifts has God given you?

2. God Intends Our Gifts to Advance the Gospel

Our gifts have a purpose. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Whether you excel in teaching, hospitality, or conversation, there is a way to connect your gift in serving the Lord and reaching others. 

I now use my skills in writing and software development to develop projects with the goal of spreading the gospel and encouraging believers. How can you use your gifts to serve the Lord?

3. God Calls Every Christian to Serve with Their Gifts

Another preacher’s message focused on Romans 11:29: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” This verse reiterates that every Christian is gifted and called. This call may not always mean full-time ministry, but we are all called to serve Him with our gifts. God has equipped us intentionally, factoring in our imperfections. God can use anything but disobedience. Churches are full of willing people. Either we are willing to work, or willing to let others work. Which are you?

4. God Calls Every Christian to Serve Him Now

There is an urgency to redeem the time. A sermon a few months ago from Psalm 39:4-7 gripped my heart:

“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.”

My life, like a handbreadth—the smallest Jewish measurement—is brief. I was stressed over things that did not matter, chasing wealth I could not keep. True meaning comes only from living for God. In Acts 9:6, Saul, trembling before the risen Christ, asked, “…Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?…” Have you asked the Lord what He would have you do? The question is not if He wants you to serve Him. That has already been established. Are you willing to ask Him what He would have you to do, and then obediently follow Him? As Psalm 39:7 asks, What are you waiting for? When I asked myself that question, I knew what my answer should be.

These truths are anchored in my current life verse, 1 Samuel 12:24: “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” When you stop to consider all that the Lord has done for you, I pray it will motivate you to serve Him with all of your heart with the gifts He has given you. He is worthy!

About David Pack

Read more about your work in God’s work:

A Biblical View of Work