It was 1985 and the pastor of the church where I served as Minister of Music and Youth told me he wanted me to go to a different church. It was one of the most loving and selfless things any pastor I have ever worked with ever did for me.
Bro. Dan Robertson had a big regret in his life. As a pastor, husband, and father, he had not been able to complete his seminary training. He wanted something better for me. So, when another pastor called him for a reference on a different person for a role on his staff that would provide a way for the person to attend seminary, Brother Dan said, “That guy would be okay, but the person you really need is my minister of music, Mike Harland.”
The next thing I knew, I was being interviewed by Pastor Jim Bain and Istrouma Baptist Church. Eventually, I went to the church that my pastor had recommended me to, and my seminary training was underway at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary…
I was so excited when New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary called last year and asked me to collaborate with Chris and Diane Machen to create a music experience celebrating 100 years since the opening of the seminary. The school that had given me so much when I was a student now was asking me to contribute to the celebration of her history.
The musical we wrote was titled “Our Faithful God,” and was presented for the first time in a special event in Leavell Chapel at the seminary. In the program, we wanted to acknowledge the faithfulness of God to the seminary as she has faithfully trained church leaders over the century.
This anthem was written for that work.
God kept his promise to me by giving me a friend like Pastor Dan Robertson who opened a door for me to go to school at New Orleans Seminary. God has also been faithful to the “School of Providence and Prayer” by providing a way for this school to impact many men and women like me as we were preparing to take the gospel to the world through ministry. Most of all, this song reminds us God will never leave us or forsake us as we go on mission for Him wherever we go.
We serve a faithful God who calls us, prepares us, and goes with us on the journey.
Purchase this anthem and more at LifeWay.com/Worship.
Mike Harland is the Director of LifeWay Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book (checkout his latest book: Worship Essentials). In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family (and his two new grand-babies). Visit MikeHarland.com to keep up with all that Mike has going on.
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