2012 Guest Speakers: Nate Holdridge

Tonight there is exactly three weeks until the 2012 Calvary Chapel Scandinavia Conference kicks off outside Stockholm.

To introduce you to this year's guest speakers, we will bring you a series of short profile interviews with each of the pastors who have accepted our invitation to teach God's Word at this summer's conference.

One of these guest speakers is Nate Holdridge who, at 34, is the lead pastor at Calvary Monterey in California. He is married to Christina with whom he has three daughters (Lauren, Violet, and June). This will be Pastor Nate's second Scandinavian conference as he also taught as a guest speaker at the 2009 conference.

When did you first know that God was calling you to pastor and/or teach the Bible?
I was 18 years old, reading a book by Pastor Chuck Smith, when God spoke to my heart clear as a bell, "I've called you to teach my word." I seriously held out hope that he meant as a children's ministry volunteer, but that never materialized, as He intended the pastorate for me.

For you, what is the most rewarding thing about being a pastor?
There are many joys in it, but my greatest reward comes from knowing I am doing what the Chief Shepherd has asked me to do. That brings any Christian incredible joy.

What is the toughest part about being a pastor?
Watching sin decimate people you love.

What book(s) are you reading right now?
Life of Elijah by A.W. Pink.
Christ's Prophetic Plans by John MacArthur.
Lectures To My Students by Charles Spurgeon.
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.

Why have you accepted the invitation to be a guest speaker at this year's conference in Scandinavia?
The Hawaii conference never called. Plus, having been to Scandinavia a few times, my impression is that it isn't the easiest place to profess Christ. I simply want to encourage and help the believers there in any way I can.

This will be your 2nd Scandinavian conference. How do you feel about being invited back?
I couldn't be more excited. This year I will bring Christina, my wife, and I think we will really treasure our time with the church body at the conference. Plus, I am really looking forward to demonstrating what pure domination looks like during the Viking Games.