Zacchio Family Update
We're moving!
The Puritan Thomas Boston declared over his life that he was a “child of providence.” I resonate deeply with that sentiment. As life progresses, you reflect and conclude that all you are becoming results from God’s providential, sanctifying care. I’m reflecting on this today as my family and I are about to make a life transition.
A New Call
After much prayer and seeking counsel both in the Word of God and from other trusted mentors, I am taking a call to pastor Cornerstone Bible Church in Ridgecrest, California. A move to the High Desert was never something I foresaw, but I hope to faithfully serve a church that needs a shepherd in light of the previous pastor’s retirement. It’ll be a new position since, for the last 15 years or so, I’ve normally shepherded the church through leading music and congregational singing. Now, I’ll be serving as a lead teaching/preaching pastor.
My 5 years at Faith Community Church in Carlsbad were just incredible. The Lord grew me in ways I did not expect, and he grew the ministry in ways that left me amazed at His wondrous works. If you would like, you can read my farewell letter here.
I got to serve alongside shepherd-hearted elders, and our Lead Pastor, Justin Windham, became a trusted mentor and friend. The Lord used him to shape my character, preaching, and shepherding. I’m eternally grateful. We appreciate your prayers, as this is one of the biggest life decisions my wife, Faith, and I have ever had to make.
God has always been faithful to guide us in the past, and we know His faithfulness will continue into an unknown future. He always gives us grace for the season we’re not yet in, and God has been preparing us to step into this new ministry. An old mentor used to tell me, “God has placed you where He’s placed you, and He’s graced you how He’s graced you to be where He’s placed you.” I’m looking forward to seeing this played out.
Family Life
Life as a family of 5 has been both wild and fun! Our son Owen John Zacchio was born on July 31 of last year. His cuteness is overwhelming, and he never ceases to be a blessing. Not quite crawling, but he’s finally sleeping through the night (most of the time).
My daughter Maeve is going to be starting school soon. She loves learning with her older brother, so I’m looking forward to seeing her thrive.
My oldest son, Josiah, (I can’t believe I’m saying this) just finished kindergarten! That went fast. But he is one of the smartest, articulate (talkative), and creative boys I know. Each morning, he wakes up with a new invention he wants to draw and change the world with. I’m excited for this new season of homeschooling with him.
My wife and I are going to be celebrating 9 years of marriage on May 28. Our journey has been enriching, sanctifying, and I couldn’t be more thankful for her. She’s a woman of godly character, and truly the funnest person to be around; my love for her has only grown over the years! She’s the one ministry partner I know will always stay true to God’s Word and always point me to Christ. The year 2024 is a case in point. It was one of the hardest years of our lives, but the Lord delivered us through constant care and sacrificial love toward one another; she was truly the embodiment of that. There’s no one else I’d rather do life with.
Book Manuscript Done!
I finally finished my forthcoming book on the doctrine of free will!
I hope to bring biblical clarity to such a misunderstood doctrine. I’ve sent the manuscript to quite a few brothers in Christ, some of whom are theologians and pastors, for feedback. I hope to receive the feedback in May and begin editing some more before sending the manuscript to the publisher.
Doctoral Studies
A surreal moment came as I submitted my very first assignment as a doctoral student! My program is customized to help me know the life and theology of the Puritan, Thomas Boston. I hope to become a scholar in the area of historical theology while reading through his works.
I plan to write my dissertation about how doctrinal precision and doctrinal preaching were part and parcel to his pastoral care. Normally, pastoral care is framed as only parish ministry (Visitation, counseling, etc.). But what I’m seeing in Boston’s works is the fact that pastoral care and doctrinal lecturing and preaching were not pitted against one another; there was a unique marriage between the two. My hope through my research is that pastors would see that what God has joined together (theology and pastoral care), no man should separate.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I appreciate how some of you have already been praying for us, and I look forward to rejoicing in God’s providence as He continues to lead and care for His children.
I’ll close with a passage that has greatly encouraged me during this time of transition:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”
Philippians 1:21–30