Responsibilities: Haha! This question is extremely difficult to answer, as it changes daily and involves everything from answering phones and greeting visitors to configuring methods to increase efficiency in member accountability and development and doing designs for connecting and landscaping. Can’t I just put up a link to the job requirements document that was on the website? No? Ok. Well, I attempt to multi-task, visualize, and prioritize the needs I am presented with in a manner that shows Christ.
Family: Dawn Earheart is my wonderful mama and is married to my stepfather, Mark Earheart who I am extremely blessed to have as a part of my life. My papa Sam, also referred to more frequently by persons who are not his only daughter as Sam Todd, is not only my loving father, but also a friend whose company I greatly enjoy. Nancy Todd is my stepmother whom I love and who has shown great love for my brother, Clint, and I.
One of many testimonies I can give to God’s grace revealed in the events of my lifetime is the love shown by each of my parents toward their children after divorcing. Each set of parents speaks highly of and still sends Christmas gifts to the other. Mark actually preaches at the church where my dad’s family attends, and last summer when Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer, my mother e-mailed back and forth with her, praying for her and encouraging her through a difficult time. God’s grace is so much greater than I can comprehend, and in a sinful world He still gives us moments of joy and great love.
Hometown: I grew up in Murray, Kentucky. Much of my family is there, and the crime rate is extremely low, strangers will happily strike up a conversation, and it’s easy to find places to just think and be alone with God. It’s a short and picturesque drive to Kentucky Lake… and on the way I could stop by The Garden Gate Café (my family’s restaurant) and grab a smoothie and cabana wrap. Yeah… that’s pretty awesome and makes me want to drive home this weekend! There were tons of things from soccer to theatre that I was involved in, and I felt like the community was really supportive.
Education & Experience: In high school I loved taking AP classes and being challenged intellectually. Most of my time in college was spent studying English (major) and Spanish (minor) at Murray State University, but I also attended California State University of San Bernardino.
My work experience is incredibly varied. I’ve done everything from graphic design, landscaping, and professional acting, to office administration and being a bouncer for The Police concert at Churchill Downs. What I find so beautiful about working at Sojourn is that God has provided a job where I can truly utilize various past experiences and different things I love doing (art, landscaping, editing, public relations, etc.) to serve others and advance the gospel.
Past serving experience includes teaching English to Hispanic immigrants back in western Kentucky, doing mission work in Mexico and Costa Rica, and serving as a missions advisor in Panama. I also had a large variety of leadership roles in different clubs and committees.
Vision for your position: To put aside my desires for personal gain and glory and see what God desires. One specific way I feel led is in making sure that “the body” is working as one healthy unit. I would love for us to work alongside and edify all Christians starting in Louisville. It is easy to complain about other churches proclaiming to promote the same gospel; yet we can be SO SLOW to challenge one another in love and encourage looking toward Christ. Let each and every one of us when speaking of another Christian or church ask ourselves what we have done to glorify God in the situation. One of the greatest things I’ve witnessed here is that there is accountability, and rather than just talking about someone going through a problem, I see people coming alongside and speaking truth and love into him or her. I pray that God will forgive us of times we have failed miserably in this area, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that we would hold every thought captive.
Along those lines, I also want to see our efficiency grow in connecting members with serving opportunities and those who need help with the appropriate ministries.
What brought you to Sojourn?: My brother Clint had been visiting, and I knew Brooke (formerly Brittain) was attending. I figured if Brooke thought it was sound, then it was worth checking out. And it definitely was.
Favorite movies/ TV shows: My favorite movies are Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful. These movies represent my whimsical side I suppose, but I also enjoy and am challenged by movies like City of God and Hotel Rwanda.
I am pretty big on watching Lost with some amazing friends whenever it’s on. I love that during Cultivate Beauty, Mike Cosper got up on stage and talked about “Kill your TV.” I had just been thinking to myself, “man… I only watch TV once a week, and it’s great time to build friendships with these amazing people… and Mike said, “Some people have asked me about Lost… And I have to say that there is grace.” Yeah, I was laughing pretty hard. So if anyone heard an annoying noise coming from the front right section of the sanctuary at the 11:15 service… that was me.
Favorite music/ band: As far as longevity, U2 rocks. I’m into most of the stuff Pandora has learned to throw my way, varying from Ryan Adams to Billie Holiday. I’m in The Parade Schedule and love the fact that I was a huge fan of their folk style before I was ever asked to be in it.
Favorite book other than the Bible: The Princess and The Goblins / The Princess and Curdie by George Macdonald (a clergyman and close friend of Alice in Wonderland author, Lewis Carroll).
Hobbies/interests: Avocados. Kayaking, soccer, drawing, Max’s Brick Oven Café, snowboarding, speaking Spanish, acting, cinematography, dancing around, performing with The Parade Schedule, and sleeping in a hammock.