Growing up in a Lutheran home in Southern California, Sean knew religion inside and out, but it had not become an integral part of him or his life, “I knew Jesus, but I didn’t surrender my life to him.”
As a teen he veered away from the positive influences in his life and ventured into the “darker side” where he experienced things that he now views as "living in the moment." While as a teen living in the moment seemed like the right thing to do, in reality, it bordered on dangerous "self destruction."
Serving time in the US Army and receiving an honorable discharge left Sean again wandering through life. Enrolling in a Christian College was his first step in a positive direction for a long time. Though he said “it was easy to fake my way in” he was in for a rude awakening coming “straight from the party lifestyle.”
Part of the requirement of this college was to attend Chapel twice weekly. It was at one of these services that “God grabbed my heart and I gave my life to Jesus.” He can’t remember the sermon or the subject, just that in that glorious moment he knew he had found what he had been missing.
Soon thereafter he met his future wife Nicole in an English class. After graduating from college both Nicole and Sean became preschool teachers and were very active in the youth ministry in their local church. While their combined incomes were satifactory for a married couple without children, Nicole openly wondered what he was really going to do with his life. It was only a matter of time before her strength, their love, and their belief brought them to Copper
Working with youth had always been a passion for Sean and the church he and Nicole attended, the Calvary Chapel in Mission Viejo, saw promise in him as a youth Pastor. They sponsored him for a 2 year program that Sean referred to as “boot camp for pastors.” The program began with 55 students and graduated only 20. Of the three friends that went into the program with Sean, he is the only one still ministering today.
With diploma in hand Sean applied all over the country, jokingly saying he even looked at ‘pastorjobs.com’ yet could not find a job.
As luck, or fate, would have it a friend that had visited the foothills on vacation told Sean that the Foothill Community Church in Angel’s Camp was looking for a youth Pastor. Sean’s first question was, “Angels what?” Being from SoCal, northern California might as well have been another planet. Yet, he jumped at the opportunity and interviewed with Foothill. Their main concern was if Sean and Nicole could adapt to a rural setting. Sean of course laughed at this and pointed out that on preschool salaries they had never visited the sprawling masses of malls in SoCal but did ask if there was a Walmart. The mold was set. Sean spent 4 ½ years as a youth pastor at Foothill Community Church.
In ’06 after an enlightening trip to Israel and the adoption of their two sons, Sean recommitted to Foothill only to find himself looking for work seven months later. Then, as if an answer to his prayers, in November of ’06 he was invited to preach to the newly formed Baptist church that met at Copper School and he’s “been preaching ever since.”
As the Pastor of Copper Canyon Baptist Church Sean continues his love of youth ministry yet has the additional welcomed challenge of preaching to the masses. He has embraced this experience as “an opportunity for people to be introduced to Jesus.” His warm strength when practicing what he preaches serves him well as he is counselor, friend, preacher, mentor, and rock to many in the community.
His favorite thing to do? “Going to where people are and introducing them to my savior.”
A bit of noteworthy news, Sean also co-authored a book in 1999 titled ‘Can I Have the Keys to the Car?’ A book that helps parents talk with their teens about things that really matter. While written in 1999, the subjects are still applicable to today’s parent and teen relationship.
For more information about the Copper Canyon Baptist Church visit http://www.coppercanyonchurch.org/.
By, Charity Maness
May I say as Sean's father, the moment I sat in church and heard him preach, tears rolled down my cheeks. I knew he had found his place and that God would use him in a mighty way.
ReplyDeleteHe brings that passion for people to find God and to find the gifts that God can use. Now, I must say, even better than being a father, he's brought Lorie and I four wonderful grandchildren. We couldn't ask for a better gift. Thanks for the great article. We are proud of our son!
Next time get his spelling right.... Our proud Swedish background would demand it...it's Sean Paulson. But by any name, we claim him.