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Thank You Brady Boyd

Dr. E. Ken Harmon
Jul 10
3 min read

Updated: Jul 12

By Dr. E. Ken Harmon

Nine years back, my family and I moved to Colorado. If you got a stomach, you can read my full story here:

https://www.stoplivingwounded.com/stoplivingwounded

The short version, while residing in Houston, I developed a serious asthma condition that evolved into a lung disease called ABPA. My oxygen levels remained in the mid to upper 80s. I was on 14 different medications, including those for lung transplants, and had to wear a heart monitor. Moreover, I underwent several spinal fusions and hernia surgeries. Things were not looking good.

When I arrived in CO, I was mentally overwhelmed. This is likely what people used to refer to as a nervous breakdown. I had lost interest in vocational ministry, feeling burned out and barely functional. While attending NLC, I accepted an internship under Pastor Jeff Kozyra in their care department. A few months into it, I received a call from Pastor Daniel Grothe, who shared that Brady wanted to boldly address race relations (a topic few eveangelical white pastors approached) and wanted me to be a part of a forum. I declined. A few days later, Daniel called again, providing more details about the forum. Despite holding a BA and MA in Sociology, I refused. My concern wasn't the topic; it was the fear of experiencing a panic attack or hallucination during a live stream. A few days later, Daniel called and said, "While they could find another couple, Pastor Brady wanted you." After discussing it with Tracy, we agreed.

New Life was an Adjustment

Approximately two weeks after this event, I was employed under Pastor Jason Jackson as the first ever, Pastor of Recovery. I wish I could say everything was gravy, but that wouldn't be accurate. My first two years was a major adjustment. New Life was massive, and its size brought a significant amount of bureaucracy.

Culturally, I was a black pastor in a predominantly white church, and initially, fitting in was difficult.

Culturally, I was a black baptist pastor in a predominantly white church. Fitting in was a struggle. I wanted certain process to move faster than it was. I saw myself as a preaching and teaching pastor but the opportunity never presented itself. The downtown liturgy was something I had to adjust to, but eventually I came to respect, appreciate, and even love. Brady and I didn't always agree. I guess this was expected from two Enneagram 8s. You could say some of our discussions were heated moments of fellowship.

New Life was a Blessing

So, if New Life was an adjustment, why am I expressing gratitude to Brady Boyd? First, I understand that there are no promises that the road to recovery and healing is suppose to be easy. It often gets worst before it gets better. What I do understand is that when I arrived at New Life, I was suicidal, mentally exhausted, and barely functional. After hiring into New Life, things begin to (slowly) turn around in both my health and life. My marriage was healed and restored through New Life's leadership. My physical health improved thanks to New Life's patience. My daughter found a sense of community at New Life. We eventually adopted a little girl and over 60 New Lifers came to the court house to celebrate with us. My enthusiasm and zeal for ministry was revived through New Life.

I also understand that those reading this may have differing perspectives. I am not looking for applause or praise nor am I downplaying the events that took place in Texas. My heart aches for everyone involved. Personally, I don't understand it all. What I do understand is my dedication and passion for supporting those who are brokenhearted were reignited by Pastors Brady, Jeff, Daniel, Jason, and Jayde. Although it hasn't been easy, I love New Life.

Thank you, Brady Boyd and Daniel Grothe for not accepting my no. Thank you for pursuing, hiring, and investing in both me and my family. While I am no longer on staff, I am unreservedly certain that those few hours on stage that one Sunday morning marked the beginning of my renewed passion for Christ, ministry, my family, and life.

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