Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Sherrill.
Hi Andrew, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
One day after my son, Luke, turned three I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I was married and only 27 years old. This cancer diagnosis was the start of a difficult two year journey. I would lose over 100 lbs, lose the ability to walk, and was told I had a 15% chance at remission. During this time I became clinically depressed.
I grew up in church and had always believed in God but cancer was challenging my presuppositions. In my darkest moments I would cling to biblical passages like Job, 2 Corinthians 4, and Psalm 43. I had lost hope in everything else. I thought, “I’m backed into a corner and God is my only hope.” I had always looked at death as a hypothetical matter that I would be concerned about later in life but now I was face-to-face with the reality of death. I was scared. It was in those days that God graciously taught me the reality of the hope He offers us all in Christ.
The Lord God Most High created the heavens and the earth. He created us. And, we sinned against Him. We rebelled against our Creator. God is holy and just. And, just like a good judge hands out a fair sentence, God is perfect; therefore He cannot turn a blind eye to sin. He must deal with our sin justly. However, God is also rich in love, mercy, grace, and kindness. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us – taking our punishment in our place. He paid our debt with His blood. Next, Jesus rose from the dead – declaring victory over death. He made our forgiveness possible and God didn’t stop there. More so, He adopts those He saves making them His children, citizens of Heaven, and heirs with Christ.
This reality changed my life. I never “made a deal” with God but several times, during my battle with cancer, I thought, “How could I not spend the rest of my days telling people of what God has done if I ever get out of this hospital?”
Vastly surpassing the doctors expectations, God did heal me from cancer even restoring my ability to walk. And, he healed more than that. My marriage was struggling before I was sick. Yet, through that 2 year process He healed my marriage too! He made me a better husband, father, and man. Now my wife, Amy, and I enjoy a marriage more fulfilling than we ever could have dreamed a few years earlier.
A couple years later God moved us 190 miles north to the campus of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My maturity grew a lot during this time too. After accomplishing two degrees, this former college dropout graduated with honors! This was truly only possible due to God’s grace.
During my time living on campus, my local church (South Liberty Baptist Church) was looking for a new pastor and asked me to fill in w/ associate pastor Chris until they decide who to hire as the new lead pastor. During this time Covid 2020 hit and introduced new unexpected obstacles to every church in the world including ours. After being involved at SLBC for 2 years in various roles, they asked me to be their next lead pastor. In the 5+ years since then we have had big challenges and great reasons to celebrate. I am humbled to be an instrument used by God to help change peoples lives by teaching, counseling, organizing, and wearing a lot of different hats – everything from mowing and taking our the trash to hospital visits and preparing sermons. None of the work at SLBC could be possible without the love and support of the church members who help in so many ways! I love our members dearly. They are the reason I am there. Our primary goal is to gather together to encourage one another, worship our good God together, and be His ambassadors to our community – like one person in need showing another person in need where to find bread.
I hope that people in our community who feel hopeless in a broken world will come and see what Jesus has done to display His love for them in a way that changes their life and glorifies our King Jesus.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Struggles include a rough start to marriage, 2 year battle with cancer, being financially strained during collage as a 30 year old with a family, and all pastors deal with a lot a difficult situations – I’m not exception to that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a lead pastor at South Liberty Baptist Church. I am probably most known for preaching. I am proud of helping SLBC heal from difficult years in the past. It was a difficult process over years and I was slandered against by some who didn’t understand. I think what most sets me apart is I genuinely care about people. We are all created with value as image bearers of our Creator. God has given me the desire to love others. I think this is reflected in the way I preach, pray, and treat others. Jesus is our perfect example for loving others. I’m not perfect (for sure!) but I strive to imitate Him.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, we moved around. I probably didn’t have a real close friend (other than my sister) until High School. I was probably a bit odd and awkward growing up. I have always loved baseball, fishing, and music.
Pricing:
- Salvation is free. Jesus paid the price.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southlibertybaptistchurch.com
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/SLBchurch
- Youtube: @southlibertybaptistchurchm6986
