Shining a spotlight on what God is up to in the lives of our congregation, students, and staff. Email lauren@deerlakeumc.org if you're interested in sharing your story. 

1) Beach or Mountains? Defend your answer.

Growing up I would have said the beach, however, the beach is limited to warm weather months while the mountains have a diversity of activities for both the cold and warm weather months. So, I am going to have to go with the mountains. There is something special about waking up and watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee in the cool, brisk mountain air.

2) Share a brief bio:

My full name is Nicholas Alexander Reed – I grew up in a non-Christian home and have two brothers (I am the middle child). I was introduced to Jesus during my time attending KUMC after being invited by some friends. I felt a strong call to Youth Ministry late in high school and haven't looked back since. I have spent the past 12 years working in Youth Ministry at two different churches and am currently 1/3 of the way through my MDiv at Asbury Theological seminary. I am married to my beautiful wife Sonja, and we have 3 daughters (and a son on the way- praise Jesus).

3) Tell us something unique about you that we’d never think to ask.

I am a Gator fan (sorry). I was born in Gainesville, Florida, and moved to Tallahassee when I was 6 years old. Clearly, this is not a question you would ever ask or want to ask :)

4)What are you reading/listening to right now that the congregation needs to know about?

I am currently reading a book titled “Rare Leadership” by Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder (Thanks, Judy Henderson). The book is an amazing mix of neuroscience, emotional/spiritual health, and leadership. Here's a quote from the book that I loved:

“When you prioritize people and lead from a secure identity, you’ll be amazed at the freedom you feel and the results you see.”

5) Where do you currently see God at work in your life?

I see God working in the inner parts of my life. In the details. The overlooked moments. I had the opportunity to share with our congregation a while ago about the exhaustion I was experiencing and the identity crisis I was navigating. I am still working through both of those things. One of the steps in understanding my identity in Christ was learning how to put what I do “on the table”. I have to be willing to understand my relationship with Christ (my identity in and through Him) apart from what I do (youth ministry and coaching). The other part of my life that has required attention is my time. I have gone through seasons of great discipline and seasons of poor discipline. In those seasons of poor discipline, there never seems to be enough time – the truth is… there is. I have just lost discipline in the finer parts of my life. Writing a sermon that would normally only take a few hours will end up taking a whole week because I have been neglecting my daily devotional with God. Having enough time to love my family well, get my work done, and stay up to date with school means that I need to wake up on time – which means I need to go to sleep on time – which means I need to avoid binge-watching tv shows in the evening as a way to “wind-down.” How about my finances? It’s all connected. If I don’t have the energy to prepare and cook meals regularly, I am tempted to eat out again and again and again and to withhold the things that God has called me to give. I don’t mean that I can’t enjoy myself, I just mean that if I want to experience the fullness, abundance, and joy that God has for my life – I have to be willing to honor Him with my time. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  (John 10:10)