Unassuming Beginnings

We were back row Sunday morning people, arriving late each time my family attended church. At nine years old, a friend invited me to a Harvest Festival in a barn. I wasn’t used to doing much outside of our family, so this was a huge thing to do. I remember not knowing many people, sitting down, and hearing about Christ. My life changed that night as I accepted Christ into my heart—my purpose changed.

I began to take a greater interest in doing things at Sunrise Chapel, the church I attended. I got involved with the youth group, helping around the church and singing in the choir. In high school, I always wanted to stay out of trouble and just serve God. My senior year of high school, I went on a mission trip to Honduras. It was there that I sensed God calling me to full-time service. God led me to Indiana Wesleyan University, where I went on multiple mission trips, received a degree in elementary education, and met my now wife. 

After graduating, I started teaching in a Title I school—I thought I had reached my mission field. However, God continued to use me and move me as I joined the Church of the Nazarene through my father-in-law. I served as Sunday school superintendent and board member while continuing to go on mission trips whenever I had an opportunity. I thought God was done moving me. After six and a half years in a classroom, God allowed me to transition roles and serve 82 elementary schools in DeKalb County, Georgia, and speak at several national events.   

At my first outreach event, God spoke to me as I watched people come to Christ.

I began to feel a tug on my heart toward full-time ministry.

This call into ministry was confirmed after the birth of my second child. I realized that I had been running from the call of God in my life. I looked back and saw how He protected me in high school from going down destructive pathways and how He had been preparing me for ministry for many years. Investing in people and leading them to the saving knowledge of Jesus became my passion.

I started vocational ministry as a bi-vocational associate pastor, and God refined my calling during this time. My experiences allowed me to connect with many students and staff as well as to eventually serve as the pastor of new starts for Gracepointe.

Later on, I received the call to be senior pastor at Webb City Church of the Nazarene. This opportunity allowed me to blossom as it opened doors and new beginnings, leading many to experience Christ. I had the opportunity to lead several mission trips around the world, spark change in the community, and see many people experience and follow Christ. My family’s recent transition to Turning Point Church of the Nazarene is opening similar ministry opportunities as we continue to seek God’s wisdom and direction in life.

Nathaniel Haeck is currently serving as lead pastor of Turning Point Church of the Nazarene.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.