Noah C. Whirley

Growing up in a pastor’s home, I found myself in church every time the doors were open. I was taught from an early age that I was a sinner in need of a Savior and at the age of 6, asked the Lord to save me from my sin and be my Savior. I lived the Christian life as best as any elementary-aged child could but experienced a severe identity crisis in middle school. I tried to put my worth and my faith in the things of the world. Popularity and girls stole my affection and drove me to act in ways that were contrary to the teachings of the God I claimed to love. As a result, I found myself being bullied by several people and developed some depression and self-worth issues. But God, being rich in mercy and grace, brought me out of that school and to a new place where I found new friends and a fresh start. But I still lacked zeal in my love and devotion to God. My sophomore year of high school, our youth group attended a camp where the speaker spoke about lukewarm Christianity. The main point of the message was you could not rely on Christ or claim Him only when it’s convenient, easy, or expected. The pastor stated, “If you sit on the fence between worldliness and Christianity, Satan owns that fence.” The Lord used that sentence to convict me of my lack of reliance upon Him to satisfy me and provide joy. That night, I “recommitted” my life to Christ. Since that moment, I have pursed Christ daily and have found my joy in Him and His finished work in my place. I still battle frustrations, discouragement, temptations, and occasional depression but I cling to the hope that Christ is better and, one day, those struggles will be no more.

My call to ministry came during my senior year of high school. Through much prayer, discussion with mentors, and study of Scripture, the Lord placed a burden on my heart to see people, specifically young people, rightly worship Him and grow closer to Him through the singing and teaching of His Word.

Through my ministry experiences, the most rewarding and enjoyable parts include seeing those around you come to a better understanding and deeper knowledge of who God is. I enjoy ministering through music as well as through the teaching of God’s Word and am prayerfully surrendered to be used by God in whatever ways He wills.

References available upon request