Inspire, Spring 2006

Inspire 19 My final and probably most transformational Cedarville- related learning experience took place at a remote camp on a small island in Lake Erie the summer after I graduated. I was still traveling with the music team, and during my final tour we performed at a camp where Scott Dixon ’84 was the speaker. He said many inspiring things, but a personal highlight was a footwashing ceremony he facilitated. I had never participated in footwashing. Scott explained how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and how footwashing is symbolic of servanthood. I sat in a circle with a group of teenagers who were preparing to say goodbye to their soon- to-be-relocating youth pastor. I was emotionally moved as I watched those kids on their knees washing their pastor’s feet with their tears, sharing how much he and his wife had meant to them. At that moment, surrounded by teary-eyed high schoolers, I had an epiphany: THIS is success. I had been searching for what to do, who to be, where to go, and here personified for me in the most beautiful way was a couple who had invested their lives in others and consequently made a lasting impact. For me, that was eye- opening. I didn’t have to be on stage or be known for some elusive achievement. If I invested in people and poured out my life for God, I would know “success.” I guess it took a four- year journey at Cedarville to have my definition of success redefined. What I experienced on that island was what some might call a spiritual awakening. After graduating, I went to work for the missions organization World Help. My job was to travel, speak, sing, and write on behalf of children suffering in India. Soon my role evolved into a short-term missionary position where I worked at an orphanage with 700 kids in a remote part of India. I still find it difficult to articulate what God allowed me to experience with those precious little gifts. In India, “success” was further defined in an even more radical way for me. When I returned from India, Westwinds Community Church in Jackson, Michigan invited me to join their staff as a worship leader. I never imagined myself a fit for such a job, but once again God reminded me that where ability and opportunity collide lay some of the best venues to further His Kingdom. During the five years I served in that role, God continued opening new doors, professionally and personally. I also travelled and recorded with a band, leading worship at various conferences, churches, and events. I married Scott Hofert, a pastor from my church, in 2001, and we began to feel pulled toward church planting. Soon we were sent to North Carolina, where we established Watershed ( www.watershedcharlotte.com) . Our church meets in a rented theater in downtown Charlotte. We had our first service in September 2005. What started as a team of four has grown to almost 200 worshippers, 80% of whom are formerly unchurched. In classic church- plant style (and budget), my role consists of graphic artist, Web designer, worship leader, service planner, and video editor. Along with that, I am a wife and a mother. Wearing so many hats makes me appreciate my Cedarville professors. Their belief in me, promptings, teaching, and wisdom still impact me on a daily basis. I am thankful for the potential they saw in me and for redefining success through their exemplary investment in my life. A full-circle moment occurred recently when one of my former college’s interns recently joined our church staff as a worship leader. Immensely grateful for my Cedarville journey, I am constantly reminded of the importance of emulating my professors’ example in the lives of others. Taryn and her husband, Scott, live in Charlotte, North Carolina with their son, Colsen Chase. Taryn may be reached at taryn@ watershedcharlotte.com. At that moment, surrounded by teary-eyed high schoolers, I had an epiphany: THIS is success.