"How do you transition from working counterterrorism
 to pastoring a church?"  

Yep, that's the FAQ I get 95% of the time when people find out  about my previous life.  And, hey, I assume you've landed on this page either because (1) you got sent here trying to unsubscribe from some junk email or (2) you'd like to know something about the guy in charge of The Surge.  If the latter, read on for another minute.  

And seriously, i look more like this:

Truth be told, I felt drawn into ministry in my 20s, but apparently when you're a gobstopper from Indiana, you have a long path of preparation--and that took me through a wonderful career with an intelligence outfit that I'll bet you've heard of and some outstanding training in ministry from senior pastors in two churches in the area.  Maybe it sounds weird, but I think it's a good thing for a pastor to know just what a typical workday is like  around here and the challenge of balancing job, family, and other activities--like church and hobbies.  Not so sure I was brilliant at it, but I am sure I've got the most fantastic wife in Jackie--and  all three of the kids, now young adults, are still talking to me!!

Here's why I love The Surge (and hopefully you will too!):

-- I don't have to be perfect.  If you come long enough, you'll hear me apologize for something.  That's the problem with us extroverts--and don't tell me you've never noticed.  But since imperfection starts at the top, there's no demand for you to have to pretend to be spotless.  

-- I feel useful.  Sounds strange, but there's a family feel, like at a reunion where everyone brings their favorite dish, and something's missing if Aunt Sis's potato salad isn't on the table.  There's just something going on at The Surge, and it's nice that I matter somehow.  I also love it that how I'm wired and the things I'm interested in and skills I've acquired help me know where to plug in.  (And we do look better than this guy...)

-- I get to care about people who don't come to our church.   I love that we're not insulated or isolated.  I could be stuffing bookbags for students, delivering food or furniture for  families in need, being a part of offering free stuff, like concerts for the community or cookouts for the neighborhood just because, or supporting those far away hurt by wars or disasters.  I love it that the Jesus we follow says that loving God also means that you love on people, too.   And sometimes magical things happen when you take care of things you'd normally just chomp on--although we all won't be featured on NatGeo.

Oh, and back to the original FAQ?  You'd be amazed at how much counterterrorism and pastoring have in common.  I'll tell you more about that over lunch sometime in our secure environment.

~Dwaine Darrah

-- People know me and like me, anyway.  I get to hang out with people I'd never mingle with except we have this spiritual connection thing that brings us together.  Cool.  And we're not so big that I'm just a number.  Guarantee that you'll walk into the place feeling that we've been expecting you--that's because we have.  


 

-- I am encouraged to grow.  I love learning and  experiencing and doing life with others interested in the same.   Sometimes I get to teach, and there's a lot of learning in that, but I also get to learn through others on the teaching team, through everyone's comments at small group, and in just hanging out and working alongside other folks.  And, I get to worship an infinite  God, so my discovery of Him, my development in relationship to Him, and my deployment with Him makes my time on the surface of the planet this great, never-ending adventure that would make Indiana Jones  envious.

Ok, that's why I'm here.  We're a new church in Northern Virginia, so we're just really getting started.  A great time to join in the fun.  You got questions?  Great.  We love 'em.  

We'll add 'em to the pile we already have,
<-----like this one, and work on figuring it all out.  

Hope to see ya soon!!