Darin, Lori, Nathan, Madison and Morgan Hamm
He recalls, “It was just me, an empty auditorium and the smell of vinyl tile. A simple switch and the sound system buzzed to life and I was transformed into a preacher.” Soon after he was preaching before live audiences on Sunday nights.
That transformation would not be complete until later however. As he grew into adulthood Darin wrestled with his call to preaching ministry as he dealt with the larger challenges of adolescence. He admits that it was not until his senior year at Oklahoma Christian University that he “totally surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.” After he earned his degree in Graphic Design there he felt “that preaching had passed me by.”
God had other plans. He still remembered that young boy climbing up the pulpit with the felt call to preach.
In 2001 a wonderful ministry door was opened for Darin at the Elkhart, Church of Christ. Darin describes this congregation as a “small church in western Kansas” which offered limited support and a “700 square foot parsonage.” It proved to be a faith move for Darin and his growing family. He and his wife, Lori, were expecting their third child at this time. But they accepted the challenge and soon Darin “was learning what it meant to be the minister” of a church.
He states, “I have not given up since.”
The family of God at the New Heights Church is glad he hasn’t. Darin has been preaching at this growing church in Owasso, Oklahoma since October 2004. He says of this body of believers, “I was drawn by their desire to impact community. I had a real desire to be at a place that wanted to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ- a place that prioritized loving your neighbor.”
The New Heights Church emphasizes external ministry such as community tutoring; home improvement ministry for seniors citizens living on fixed incomes; ESL classes; job skills training, essay contests in public schools; medical ministry; clothes closet; and supporting world missions.
community outreach
Not coincidentally, Darin is increasingly being asked to share the New Heights story and consult with other churches to help them establish similar community impact ministries.
Darin’s main ministry focus is to serve those whom Christ described as “the least of these.” Indeed he is being the hands and feet of Jesus!
Here are some websites and links that will help you get to know Darin even more:
- The New Heights church website is here.
- Darin writes a fantastic blog. It is here.
- His video messages can be found here.
- Here is his Facebook page.
Learing more about the dedication of men like Darin is a great encouragement. Thanks Darin for using you “beautiful feet” to help share the gospel with your community.
If you would like- please pass along an uplifting word to Darin in the comment section.
Beautiful Feet 