Tell us about the work God has called you to
God has called me to a deeply fulfilling and bi-vocational ministry that truly speaks to my heart and aligns with my experiences. At LOFT City Church in Richardson, Texas, I have the privilege of serving as the lead pastor. This role allows me to shepherd a wonderfully diverse and vibrant community of believers, who hail from various ethnic backgrounds, including many from Indian descent. My leadership here is focused on creating a gospel-centered, multiethnic environment where everyone can grow in their faith, feel a sense of belonging, and be equipped for service.

In addition to my work at LOFT City, I am also involved with Stadia Church Planting, specially in the role of Startup Coach, where my role involves coaching, consulting, and pastoring church planters during the crucial season before they launch their churches. Over the last several years I've had the incredible joy of walking with dozens of church planters through their start up season and celebrate the birth of beautiful churches all over this nation. In addition to this role, I also have the joy of leading discovery (assessment) teams and help potential church leaders discern their calling and competencies to start new churches. I also serve on Stadia's Kingdom Diversity team, where we focus on making sure we are looking at all our activities through the lens of diversity. These roles have allowed me to draw from my own experiences—overcoming challenges, navigating cultural complexities, and building resilient faith communities.

What is your best ministry moment?
Reflecting on my journey, it's challenging to pinpoint a single "best" ministry moment because each one has contributed uniquely to the tapestry of my faith and service. However, one moment that stands out profoundly is the transformation and growth of the Bible study group into LOFT City Church. This period was a testament to God's faithfulness and a clear demonstration of His calling for me, despite the challenges and opposition faced.

Starting with a small group of six to seven kids, witnessing the group swell to nearly 150 in a matter of months was nothing short of miraculous. It was a vivid reminder that when God is at work, numbers and human limitations don't define what is possible. The transition from considering ourselves a mere Bible study to embracing our identity as a church required a lot of soul searching and prayer. Yet, the decision to step into what God was clearly leading us to do—catalyzing a gospel-centered, multiethnic community—was a pivotal moment in my ministry.

What makes this moment particularly special is the realization of our vision for a diverse community that mirrors the kingdom of God. This journey from a small group to a thriving church community, against all odds and opposition, encapsulates the essence of my calling and the purpose of my ministry. It was a clear affirmation of God's faithfulness and His power to work through our willingness to serve, making it one of my best ministry moments.  

What are your hopes for Advance?
My hopes for Advance, rooted in my own journey and the transformative power of the Gospel I've witnessed firsthand, are both broad and deeply personal. I envision Advance as a catalyst for a global movement that doesn't just plant churches, but fosters communities where the Gospel is lived out in vibrant, multiethnic expressions, especially among Indians around the world.

I dream of seeing Advance breaking down cultural barriers within the church, creating a space where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated as a reflection of God's kingdom. My hope is that it will inspire and equip leaders to plant churches that are not only centers of spiritual growth but also beacons of reconciliation and unity in a divided world.

Moreover, I dream of Advance developing a robust community of pastors and church planters who are deeply rooted in the Gospel, skilled in navigating the complexities of cross-cultural ministry, and passionate about making disciples who make disciples. I long to see these leaders well-supported, both spiritually and practically, as they embark on the challenging yet rewarding journey of church planting.

Ultimately, my hope for Advance is that it would play a significant role in fulfilling the Great Commission, as we witness a growing number of gospel-centered, multiethnic churches thriving among Indians and beyond, transforming communities through the love and truth of Jesus Christ. I pray for Advance to be a movement marked by faithfulness, innovation, and a deep commitment to seeing God's love and justice manifest on earth as it is in heaven.

What would you say to someone considering ministry?
If you're considering ministry, first, let me say this: it's a journey like no other, filled with both profound challenges and indescribable joys. From my own experience, here are a few things I'd share with you:

1. Seek God First: Above all, ensure your call into ministry is rooted in a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Ministry flows out of being before doing. Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and reflection to discern God's voice and direction for your life.

2. Embrace Authenticity: Ministry is not about performing or living up to others' expectations. It's about being authentic in your faith and struggles, allowing people to see how God is working in and through your life. Authenticity builds trust and fosters genuine community.

3. Expect Challenges:  Ministry will test you in ways you might not expect—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. There will be days of doubt, loneliness, and exhaustion. Remember, these challenges are not indicators of failure but opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

4. Cultivate Resilience: Resilience is crucial. You will face setbacks, criticism, and perhaps even betrayal. Learning to forgive, heal, and move forward, relying on God's strength, not your own, is vital for long-term ministry health and effectiveness.

5. Prioritize Relationships:  Ministry is about people, not programs or numbers. Invest in relationships, both within your ministry context and outside it. These relationships will be your source of encouragement, accountability, and joy.

6. Depend on Community:   You can't do ministry alone. Surround yourself with a community that supports, challenges, and encourages you. Make sure you have friends in your life that love you for who you are, not for what you do! 

7. Take Care of Yourself: Spiritual, emotional, and physical health are all essential for sustained ministry. Develop healthy habits, set boundaries, and find ways to rest and recharge.

8. Hold Everything Loosely:  Finally, hold your plans, dreams, and even your sense of calling loosely. Be open to how God might lead you in unexpected directions. His plans are often different, but always better than our own.