Adam Tarver is the College Pastor at Prince Avenue Baptist Church. He, his wife Jillian, and their precious daughter Eleanor live outside of Athens Georgia. Adam discusses his faith journey.

Key Takeaways

  – Adam’s faith journey was shaped by supportive parents, overcoming social anxiety, and key mentors in college

  – He emphasizes the importance of community, honesty, and intentionality in living out one’s faith

  – As a college pastor, Adam advises students to pursue their God-given talents strategically for God’s glory

  – For parents, he recommends fostering open communication and allowing children to make mistakes while providing guidance

Topics

Adam’s Faith Journey

  – Grew up in a Christian home with parents involved in church planting

  – Struggled with social anxiety as a teenager

  – Had a transformative experience at a youth event, leading to genuine faith

  – College years were formative, especially after joining Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM)

  – Key mentors like Cole Flanders, Jack Smith, and Brandt Akin played crucial roles in his spiritual growth

Discerning God’s Call

  – Emphasizes the importance of community in decision-making

  – Advises doing what you’re good at for God’s glory in strategic ways

  – Encourages considering how one’s skills can be used in various sectors, not just traditional ministry

  – Stresses the need for marketable skills in mission work, citing examples like trekking businesses in Nepal

Spiritual Practices and Growth

  – Values regular, personal devotional time separate from sermon preparation

  – Recently impacted by reading Ecclesiastes, focusing on cultivating faithfulness over selfish ambition

  – Emphasizes the importance of Sabbath rest, describing how he and his wife practice it weekly

  – Recommends Paul David Tripp’s book on leadership communities for those in ministry roles

Advice for Parents

  – Be honest with children about past mistakes and struggles

  – Create an environment where children feel safe sharing their experiences

  – Transition from strict rule-enforcer to advisor as children grow older

  – Understand the limits of control and point children to God who is in control

Lessons for Young Adults

  – Take life more seriously and be intentional in all areas (health, spirituality, relationships)

  – Understand that discipleship is a long-term process – “a long obedience in the same direction”

  – Be willing to invest time and not be discouraged by lack of immediate results