by Laura Clark

My family and I have found our home at City Church. A home we always kind of knew would be and was waiting there for us. 

My husband, Ian, and I grew up with Dean, each in different capacities. I was of the opinion as many others in Tallahassee who grew up with us - that it would be strange to have Dean as our Pastor. Not in an offensive or negative way, but just the idea of a peer delivering the sermon, rather than an older, more "experienced" pastor, seemed out of the ordinary of which I was accustomed to. I look back at that thought now and have to laugh. What a small-minded thought.

I have truly come to appreciate Dean's knowledge and understanding of the Gospel and his ability to deliver it in a way that reaches everyone in attendance. For many, who were like me at our previous churches, this is the missing link. City Church, on any given Sunday is a true microcosm of society; if you look around you will find people of all different ages and backgrounds and all at different life stages. However, we are all there for the same reason; we each leave hearing the same message, but we are able to apply experiences and lives. 

Listening and really understanding the Gospel-based messages has brought our family to a new level of openness and has given me the ability to look at my life, and what I value, and question the relevance of my values. My eyes have been opened to many trivial things that I used to place importance on and issues that I continually struggle with. I have also gained a new understanding of learning to let go and not worry about the things that I cannot control. I am, by nature, a planner and a person who needs to be certain of my future; I have learned that this is only a reflection of my lack of trust in the Lord, who knows, understands, and created the big picture. 

I believe we are all called here for a reason. It is inspiring each Sunday to look around and meet new people and see what they are called to do. Some are still searching, and some have found and embraced their callings. I believe my calling as a wife and mother is to raise our children in a home that knows Jesus Christ and responds to His will, however difficult and off track of my own that it may be. 

We have found our home at City Church. 

(Laura Clark is a Tallahassee native and is the Financial Manager of Hinkle Development Company. Laura is married to Ian Clark and together they have two sons, Evan and Graham.)