After over a decade on staff, today is Pastor Jamie Munson's last day on staff as an executive elder. His older sister, Jen, below with Jamie, looks back at how she's seen her younger brother grow since he first showed up at her house 14 years ago as a young punk from Montana.

I am really proud of my little brother, Jamie. At nine years old, I held him as a newborn baby and marveled at his perfection … and then almost dropped him on his head. I love my brother. And, there is nothing little about the grace God has poured out on him or the contributions he has made toward building Jesus’ kingdom through this church. With mixed emotions, I rejoice with Pastor Jamie as he moves on from staff at Mars Hill to another calling God has for him. Jamie moved out to Seattle to live with my husband and me and several of our family members 14 years ago. Thirteen of us crammed into one giant house, aka the Munson Commune, for a year. We were a fun-loving, spontaneous bunch; most days held some sort of game or competition that Jamie was known for often winning—or at least negotiating some sort of advantage. He is a ruthless Settlers of Catan and makes for an interesting Rook partner when he bids up his own teammate!

I remember those years fondly as Mars Hill was just beginning and God got ahold of Jamie’s heart there. Not to take all the credit but, I did spy the beautiful Crystal before he did and point her out as potential. Of course, he sealed the deal. I am so grateful to have a friend and sister in one of the most loving and generous women I know. In characteristic form, Jamie poured his whole life into learning who this God who saved him was, passionately serving him and faithfully leading people to him.

At Orin's dedication in 2005. Pastor Jamie is holding Kara, Crystal is holding Orin, and Caleb is standing by Pastor Mark.

Over the years, Pastor Jamie has taught us through his life and his words. I have the privilege of watching him in his family life and in his public life and I assure that he is the same man wherever he goes. While he’s quick to deflect any and all praise to God, as his older sister, I have no problem boasting in who he’s become in Christ. He is a man who:

• Celebrates redemption: God has saved Jamie from a life of self-absorption. He was a punk. I was there. But what a story of redemption that God has written! Jamie has faithfully told the story for God’s glory alone.
• Embraces grace: With grace and humility, Jamie loves to hear and tell the stories of how others have been changed by Jesus.
• Models generosity: As God is generous, Jamie has both lived and urged us to a life of generosity. My family and many others have benefitted from these truths being lived out in his life.
• Inspires leaders: There is a unique combination of sharp businessman coupled with godly character in Jamie that people respond to. He has much to teach us about leadership and integrity.
• Dreams big: Many hours of Jamie’s life (and a few of the hairs on his head) have been sacrificed to follow God’s huge plans for Mars Hill. The Easter Celebration at Qwest Field was but one of many events on which Jamie worked tirelessly to pull off for the glory of God.
• Makes sure that, in the end, it’s all about Jesus: And that is what I love most about my brother.

Pastor Jamie baptizes Orin in January.

God has uniquely equipped Jamie to influence and lead others—and I’m not saying that just because I’m his sister; I truly believe it. In his goodness, God determined that Mars Hill would benefit from Jamie’s gifts for 14 years. In his greatness, God is moving Jamie to yet another strategic, kingdom-building mission. He will be missed on staff, but he is not the linchpin that holds Mars Hill together. Jesus is. And he would be the first to remind us of that truth. Thank you, Pastor/Brother Jamie, for your many years of service at Mars Hill. We and the church are all better because of them. Jen Smidt is a deacon at the Ballard church. She writes regularly for the Resurgence. To hear and read more of what Pastor Jamie has taught at Mars Hill over the years, you can check out sermons he's given (plus a couple talks from his wife, Crystal), and read his posts on this blog and on the Resurgence. His book, Money: God or Gift, is also available on Amazon.