Stories of Faithful Men: Michael Harsch.

(This is the first post in an effort to highlight men who have faithfully led their homes, ministries, and communities well. If you would like to suggest a man for this series find out how you can honor a faithful husband, father, pastor, or leader at CBMW here: “Faithful Men: We Need Your Stories!”)

Written by Melissa Affolter on behalf of Riverbend Community Church

How does the gospel transform manhood? In reflecting on the gospel, a word that immediately comes to mind is redemption. The gospel is the story of Christ redeeming a people for himself unto eternal salvation. Defined as, “to free from captivity; to gain possession of something in exchange for payment,” this term – redeem – provides a vivid picture of what Christ has done for his people.

When I think of manhood being transformed by the gospel, there is one particular man who stands out to me. Michael Harsch is a pastor at Riverbend Community Church, where I have been a member and served under his leadership for several years. He has been a pastor for over 15 years now, overseeing youth and children’s ministries, as well as providing leadership for mission endeavors, marriage and family conferences, and in recent years, counseling and community outreach efforts. In fact, his ministries are so varied that I am sure I am overlooking many aspects; but those particulars are not of ultimate significance. What stands out most when I consider this man, is his spiritual character in seeking to live out God’s call on his life as a Christian man.

There are many qualities that describe a biblical man: humble leader, compassionate, protector, wise counselor, sacrificial husband, loving father, burden-bearer – the list goes on. Michael is truly all of these things. As one who has served under his leadership, he has modeled these qualities consistently. And as one who has been enfolded into his family, I have seen the genuine nature of his home life as well. There are no contradictions between the kind of leader he is in the Church and the kind of man he is in his home. Indeed, he is beloved by all who know him.

What rises above all these other aspects of manhood in Michael’s life, however, is his unwavering desire to see his own life be transformed by the gospel. He exhibits great humility in his pursuit of holiness – not because he views it as a means of gaining favor with God, but because he is so grateful for the abundant work of Christ on his behalf. His manhood is redeemed as he seeks to know Christ more intimately.

Michael’s life and ministry and have been redeemed in every possible way, as he has submitted himself to the One who molds and shapes us. I have watched Michael come alongside “the least of these” and love them when others judged them. I have seen him humbly confess when he was wrong about something, and then aim for reconciliation. I have been a recipient of his benevolent care, as he has sought to apply God’s Word to my own life with great patience and thoughtfulness. I have observed him serve his wife with self-sacrificing love, sometimes forgoing his preferences to express his care for her. I have heard him interact with his children, not giving into the distractions of this world or even his ministry, but seeking to place his affection on them much like God the Father does on each of his children. I have listened to him teach our youth group, with the careful exposition of the Word, applied tenderly as he seeks to woo them to Christ.

Michael’s love for the redeeming gospel of Jesus Christ has completely transformed his entire life. In turn, it has been used as a means of transforming the lives of those around him, including my own.

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(This is the first post in an effort to highlight men who have faithfully led their homes, ministries, and communities well. If you would like to suggest a man for this series find out how you can honor a faithful husband, father, pastor, or leader at CBMW here: “Faithful Men: We Need Your Stories!”)