Yesterday was a high day for me. We publicly named Geno Hildebrandt as Senior Pastor of Hope Chapel. 
Here are some photos from the service. (Thanks, Dave Huss, for the terrific photo account of things.) After 30 years at Hope Chapel, leading worship, eldering, pastoring, it seems that the Spirit is saying “time to do something else. ” We don’t know the something else yet, but we are Abrahamic in our journey, trusting God. In the meantime, it is a good thing that Geno is stepping into the senior role.
It was a treat for us to invite Dean Smith to speak at Hope Chapel. Dean has become a good friend in the last few years. 
I audited a preaching class from him and learned of his love of the scripture and his excellent skills in teaching. Dean grew up in the Church of Christ tradition and we at Hope Chapel have been blessed by good relationships with the Churches of Christ. Dean blessed us by telling us his perception of Hope through the years and by challenging us to embrace the leadership God has given us. Dean is currently leading a ministry called Urban Connection Austin. Thanks, Dean. It was a terrific sermon and we are so glad you joined us for the installation service.
A couple of things stood out to me yesterday. As I was preparing for the service, it struck me how blessed I am to have Geno as a friend, for us to be pulling for each other. I am very happy to be entrusting our family with Geno. He is a trustworthy pastor, a God-fearer, one who will lead us well.
