J. Derek Harbin, Priest
What is a hobby that you enjoy that may surprise other people?
I am a nationally certified Aquatics Instructor (Swimming, Lifesaving, Boating, Skiing and Snorkeling) with the Boy Scouts of America and usually spend a week each year teaching boys to swim, safely boat and save themselves and others in the water.
I enjoy gardening, colonial and early federal American history as well as visiting historical sites. I have recently renewed my interest in constructing, restoring and collecting Native American Indian dance clothing and artifacts.
Name your best dining experience ever.
It would be a tie between a wonderful wedding anniversary meal shared with my wife, Clifford, in a funky and artsy section of northern Indianapolis and eating a Sabbath meal on a Kibbutz in northern Israel where the table was laden with the freshest food, taken straight from the garden with a preparation and abundance that boggled the mind.
How many different countries have you visited?
As a child I crossed the Canadian border while visiting Niagara Falls with my grandparents. One of my grandmothers took me on my first trip overseas to England and France when I was in high school as an early graduation present. Since then I have been blessed to visit Scotland (while my sister was studying there), South Africa and Italy as well as to participate in two pilgrimages to the Holy Land (Israel and the Palestinian Territories).
How many different states have you lived in?
Born and raised in North Carolina, I have ventured several times to live in other states. I spent three wonderful years beside a pristine glacier lake in southern Wisconsin while at Seminary, served for seven years at a congregation located in an automotive town surrounded by the flat farm plains of northern Indiana and spent a portion of three summers competing my doctorate in a lakeside northern suburb of Chicago, Illinois on the campus of Northwestern University.
How long have you been a Priest?
I am in my nineteenth year as a priest of the Church.
When and how did you hear or sense that being a Priest was your call in life?
When I was sixteen I had a mystical experience where, in some sort of vision, I heard God’s voice say: “I want you to be a priest.” I had always wanted to be a doctor, so I figured that I could do both. Near the end of my undergraduate years at Davidson College (where I graduated with a major in pre-medicine), it became clear that God was asking me to give up my dream of medicine and focus on God’s dream of priesthood. Once I did, the burden of my dream physically lifted from my shoulders and a type of clarity came to my life that I never knew was possible before.
The mission at Church of the Beloved is important. What is the most challenging aspect of carrying out the mission?
Not falling into the trap of doing what we like or want but rather always looking to those who have not yet discovered the love of God’s Beloved Son and finding ways to meet them where they are. It is hard to remember that it isn’t about us…it is about the others.
Name a moment or moments of overwhelming significance.
My call to the priesthood, my first date with my wife, the birth of our three children (including cutting the umbilical cords and “catching” one of them), my first visit to the Holy Land (particularly praying at the sites of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection and at the place where Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac) and God’s call to come to Charlotte to plant Church of the Beloved.
Clifford King Harbin, Pastor
What is a hobby that you enjoy that may surprise other people?
I enjoy researching my family history both on the ground and on the Internet deep into the night. One night at 2am, I found one family line back to Noah…of course I couldn’t recreate it the next day!!! Related to that, I don’t miss reading the obituaries in the Charlotte Observer. Got to be ready to have something to say when I meet these people in heaven one day!
Name your best dining experience ever.
Derek and I were in Charlotte for Valentine’s Day one year before we answered the call to move to South Charlotte. A good friend made reservations on our behalf at a place far fancier than we would have chosen for ourselves. It was a delicious dinner in a great atmosphere and we were treated like a king and queen!!
How many different countries have you visited?
I was blessed to have been able to travel while attending Furman University, lived and studied in London and Paris and traveled to many European countries (all but Spain!). I've been on pilgrimage to the Holy Land twice. I was honored to be invited to represent the catechists from Indiana at an international Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training and retreat in Assisi and Rome for two weeks in 1997. I recently went on retreat in Mexico with some of the same women.
How many different states have you lived in?
I’m pretty much a Southerner…born in Atlanta, GA with historical roots in Charleston, SC then 10 years in Greenville, SC, four years in Asheville, NC (where I met and married Derek) then seven years experiencing a different culture in the Midwest (Indiana) before being called to Charlotte seven years ago.
How long have you been a Pastor?
Though not ordained, I have served professionally on church staffs since 1983 with titles including: Youth Advisor; Director of Youth Ministries; Lay Assistant Rector; Director of Children’s’ Ministries; Consultant and Trainer in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Christian Formation Process and now as Pastor at Church of the Beloved.
When and how did you hear or sense that being a Pastor was your call in life?
I have been called in significant ways three times to the priesthood…through the call of the church community in which I was raised when I was 16; again in 1991 in a vision when children placed a priest’s stole around my neck as they danced joyfully and again when in Assisi when God clearly articulated his call on my life in very specific words. All three times God called me to work to revitalize his church by sharing his love with children and their parents, specifically to families of privilege.
The mission at Church of the Beloved is important. What is the most challenging aspect of carrying out the mission?
For me, as one who loves building relationships, the most challenging aspect is when participants move on in their spiritual journey – to other churches or cities because of job changes or personal situations. I miss everyone who has ever worshiped with the Beloved. Each Sunday, I love seeing who God has drawn to worship with the Beloved community and getting to know each person for as long as God calls them to stay.
Name a moment or moments of overwhelming significance.
The afternoon I shared with Derek on our first “date” when the Holy Spirit zapped me (literally) and told me that he would be my husband. It’s quite a story. The next time I see you, I’ll tell you all about it…
Sally Brower, Assisting Pastor for Formation
What is a hobby that you enjoy that may surprise other people?
"Writing" sacred icons. It is called “writing” instead of “painting” because icons are scripture in image. During the classes, the group maintains contemplative silence. It takes about 40 hours to complete a small icon. I also write poetry, prayers, and articles related to the life of faith.
Name your best dining experience ever.
Ristorante Badia a Coltobuono, in an ancient abbey, that is also a cooking school, restaurant, and winery in Italy. Each of the four courses was accompanied by one of their wines. The golden washed plaster, stone and wood interior was once a stable. It looks out over the Tuscan hills. This picture of me was taken there.
How many different countries have you visited?
Eighteen. A pilgrimage to Canterbury, England at age 16 where we lived with English families; a Celtic pilgrimage to Ireland; a seminary pilgrimage to Israel and the Palestinian territories; and a clergy pilgrimage by riverboat to experience Orthodox Russia. As well as anniversary trips to Spain, Italy, the British Virgin Islands and U. S. Virgin Islands. I’ve been able to take trips with my family to France, Germany, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Other trips have included Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Holland, Belgium, and Finland.
How many different states have you lived in?
Four: Virginia, where I was born; Nebraska in the sixth grade when my Dad worked for Duncan Hines and brought home test cakes; North and South Carolina during 35 years of marriage.
How long have you been a Pastor?
I was ordained a Pastor on Pentecost, May 23, 1999 in the Lutheran (ELCA) church. I am now licensed to serve as a Priest in the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and am deeply joyful that Church of the Beloved is at the center of my homecoming.
When and how did you hear or sense that being a pastor was your call in life?
I had a counseling practice in an Episcopal church for eight years. I kept being asked to be a spiritual director in typically clergy positions. When my son's godfather, an Episcopal priest, asked if I had thought of the priesthood, I knew it must be God. He didn't believe in women being priests, just deacons. It took ten years from call to ordination and the willingness to follow God's call into the Lutheran Church.
The mission at Church of the Beloved is important. What is the most challenging aspect of carrying out the mission?
It is a challenge in any church for people to find meaningful ways to connect with each other outside of worship. In the midst of a shared life of prayer and service, individuals can discover their life's purpose. Part of my role in meeting this challenge is to awaken people to the mystery of God, risk holy encounter, and cross the thresholds of their heart's deep hopes.
Name a moment or moments of overwhelming significance.
Being adopted into a family with a Lutheran father and an Episcopal mother where church was the center of our lives. At age 46, I found out my “family of origin” had had no religion for 100 years. God's Spirit is always working through us to give our lives meaning and purpose. When I first came to Charlotte, I saw Church of the Beloved’s sign in the development office at St. Peter, uptown. I attended the Ascension Day service at Charlotte Latin School when Clare was baptized and Bishop Curry preached. I worshiped at Beloved at South Charlotte Middle School as I was planning an emerging worship service for my former church. After serving 6 years at that church, I followed the call of Abraham to step out in faith. A year later in July 2006, Brent and I decided to worship at Church of the Beloved. The third time we attended, I was the celebrant and preacher. After three requests to apply for the position of rector elsewhere, I accepted this call.
Deb Blackwood, Deacon
What is a hobby that you enjoy that may surprise other people?
While in Sarasota, FL my 2 recreational passions were sailing and kayaking – and I haven’t found a replacement in NC yet.
How many different countries have you visited?
Bahamas [most of the islands], Europe, UK, Canada
How many different states have you lived in?
6 West Virginia, Ohio, PA, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina
How long have you been a Deacon?
Ordained a Vocational Deacon June 12, 1999
When and how did you hear or sense that being a Deacon was your call in life?
God’s been calling since childhood – it just took me awhile to really listen. I “ran away from home” in 1982 to avoid the call to go to seminary from my bishop, only to have the new bishop make the same call 3 years later. It was another 10 years before I answered when at the communion rail, our associate rector put a piece of the priest’s host into my hand and the electricity generated floored both of us. She met me at the door after church with the comment “we have to talk – right now.” The result of our conversation at lunch that day was her probing question, “how long are you going to ignore this call on your life?” and I realized that I had to finally enter a discernment process.
The mission at Church of the Beloved is important. What is the most challenging aspect of carrying out the mission?
Challenging the faithful to move out of our typical comfort zones to “be Christ in the world” for and with those who do not know him.
Name a moment or moments of overwhelming significance.
Several come to mind:
- The change in my younger brother after his “conversion” at college through Campus Crusade … while I hated the awful bible tracts and simplistically fundamental theology … I couldn’t get past the change in him and his life and wanted to learn more. I attended the 1st Renewal Conference in the Diocese of WV with Terry Fullam, George Stockhowe and David Bennett and learned first hand what it was all about
- The “encounter at the altar” mentioned above which led to a parish discernment process and later ordination to the vocational diaconate
- Involvement as a youth and later young adult in the civil rights and anti-war movements and their formation of both my passivism and commitment to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” [Micah 6:8]
- Marriage to Dan and Kim’s life with us
Dan Hood, Music Director, technology guy
What is a hobby that you enjoy that may surprise other people?
I enjoy mountain biking (when I can get out), and I enjoy writing and recording songs. Recently, I built my first effects pedal, so there will be more of those in the future.
Name your best dining experience ever.
In Gent, Belgium I had the opportunity to eat at a small place on a river called “The beerhaus.” The weather was perfect, the food was great and I was introduced to some exotic Trappist beers that rival fine wines. The buildings along the river still had scars from WWII.
How many different countries have you visited?
A bunch, on short term mission trips. Brazil (2x), Romania, Hungary, Ethiopia, Holland, Belgium. A few of these I visited on the same trip.
How many different states have you lived in?
Just two: Michigan and North Carolina
How long have you been in Church Ministry?
I have been involved in some type of ministry for about 12 years. Some were paid positions, some were volunteer.
When and how did you hear or sense that Music was your call in life?
It sounded like a good idea at the time. Music has always been in the blood, but never a career aspiration. Sometimes God reveals himself in small ways. For me, it was a passing comment by a college professor, and another comment by a pastor when I was 19 about pursuing a worship leader career.
The mission at Church of the Beloved is important. What is the most challenging aspect of carrying out the mission?
For me, it is staying relevant to the congregation, while not being overly traditional. I come from a “modern worship” background with lots of loud guitars and simple pop songs. The challenge comes with continually remembering who is worshiping God to the music at Beloved and what they may be listening to outside of worship.
Name a moment or moments of overwhelming significance.
- My recent engagement, for obvious reasons.
- The first time I picked up the guitar at age 15.
- A trip to the guitar store at age 12 with my older brother. I helped him pick out the electric guitar that would one day be mine (didn’t know it then), and take me around the world (still have it!)
- An 8th grade beach trip where I decided to follow Christ.
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