Turn the Page of God's Calling...Again

After a career filled with twists and turns, expected and unexpected developments, and transitions galore, including unforeseen changes in direction, many things are finally becoming clear and focused. I thank God for the journey that is now unfolding into a new adventure - one that feels different, brand new, and perhaps the most exciting step forward I have ever anticipated.

Photo by Nathan McDine on Unsplash

I retired from the pastorate in 2021 with the closing of Chamberlayne Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. God's direction was clear. Finish my doctoral studies and embark on the adventure of starting Peptalk Ministries, LLC. The goal was to "serve multiples," as my longtime mentor Bob Dale articulated it. Help multiple churches. Come alongside multiple ministry leaders to coach them through their journeys. Provide a safe space for multiple pastors to reclaim their passion for Christ and for serving God's people by growing in their own faith.

This was a calling I gladly received and pursued. It has been invigorating to watch leaders deepen their bond with the Lord while helping congregations recognize their place in God's kingdom work and plot their paths forward, even when that meant acknowledging the end of their seasons so God could begin a new work. This work has captured my soul and sparked countless ideas I trust I will have time to develop and shape to help others in their endeavors.

This work has included serving several churches during their transitional seasons. Along the way, I knew this lifestyle and the need for consistent relocation would not be sustainable. God was showing me the possibilities of finding a place to call home, and that would materialize when God's timing was right.

That moment has arrived, bringing nuances that add new excitement to the years ahead.

As of today, January 1, 2026, I begin serving as the pastor of Upper King and Queen Baptist Church in Newtown, Virginia. This is one of the congregations I helped during a transitional period in their journey. God has shown them, Diane, and me how this has been the design he had in mind for such a time as this.

You can call this "coming out of retirement" if you wish, but I have a description I prefer. I think this is the new path forward, the next step in my pursuit of finding and serving in the center of God's will. It is true that I will be serving the church in a full-time capacity. But it is also true that Peptalk Ministries is not closing its doors or changing its focus or purpose. Let me explain.

Over the past five years, Peptalk has been established as a viable place of hope and growth for ministry leaders and congregations. This is done almost entirely through coaching individuals, leadership groups, and church families. Most of that work happens during non-traditional "church" times on weekdays and on weekends. It mostly occurs via Zoom and at Friday-Saturday workshops. The retreats I lead never interfere with church schedules.

God's call is for me to continue this work, albeit with a more part-time focus now. I am super-excited about continuing this work and living into the "multiple" calling, as well as the new approach to it all.

I stated earlier that God's leadership was to find a place to call home. Serving as pastor with the good folks of Upper King and Queen Baptist Church fits this to a "T." I fell in love with these people when I served as their interim pastor, but I knew I was not to stay at that time, despite their clear invitation and hope that I would. God's calling was to complete my preparation, which is now complete.

I do not feel I am being called back into the pastorate. I know I am being called to serve as a pastor in a whole new way. I'm still Dave, or as most of you call me, Pep. I remain deeply passionate about leading leaders and helping multiple congregations in their spiritual endeavors. What is new now is the thrill God is providing by giving us a place to call home from which all of this will happen.

Home. A place to plant deep roots. A place to thrive. A place to settle in, get to know people in the church and community, and blend in as a welcomed member of both. A place to live. In our case, for this moment, a place that is actually quite near some of our grandchildren too - talk about another bonus!

A place to breathe deeply. A place provided by God.

This is a turning of a page, opening a new chapter of life for Diane and me, and for an awesome group of people I cannot wait to begin serving. Upper King and Queen Baptist Church, thank you for this glorious invitation. I thank God for the opportunity to become part of this delightful family. May the Lord bless us, keep us, guide us, and inspire us to discover and become all we can be in Christ.

To my friends and family, please join in a chorus of prayers for us. This feels like the long chapter of life we have been anticipating for many years. Today opens the book to page one. I can only dream of how exciting each page will be.

Pep is coming back to Central Virginia. Peptalk is coming back with me. We are excited beyond measure and look forward to planting new roots in familiar places.

What new page is God turning for you? I would love to hear about it. Email me soon, like today, at dave@peptalkministries.com.