IMPORTANT NOTE: The article below was written by AI based on the podcast with Larry Kirkpatrick that we just released and can be found at www.nnec.org/podcast.

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Larry Kirkpatrick's journey to faith and leadership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church offers a compelling narrative of divine intervention and spiritual transformation. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Larry's early exposure to religion was limited. His family stopped attending church when he was around five years old, and his subsequent spiritual influences came primarily from secular sources, including movies he watched from the roof of his childhood home overlooking a drive-in theater.

Larry's spiritual awakening began through questioning. After experiencing the deaths of several people close to him, he found himself wrestling with profound questions about God's existence and goodness. This crisis point led him to make a bold challenge to God: he would read through the Bible, pray for understanding, and then make a moral evaluation of God based on what he discovered. What began as a critical examination unexpectedly transformed into a personal conviction. By the time he reached Romans chapter 10, Larry realized that he was not in a position to judge God – rather, he was the one being judged.

His exploration continued as he investigated various religious broadcasts and denominations. Larry found himself drawn to Seventh-day Adventist teachings through Amazing Facts programs hosted by Joe Cruz. An unexpected generous response from Cruz – sending him every booklet and Bible study guide available, along with a personal letter – made a significant impression. Through reading Adventist literature including "The Great Controversy" and "The Desire of Ages," Larry found spiritual nourishment that resonated deeply with him. His baptism into the Adventist Church in 1989 marked the beginning of his new spiritual journey.

Larry's call to ministry came unexpectedly. Shortly after his baptism, his pastor encouraged him to teach Sabbath School, and class members later suggested he should consider becoming a pastor. Despite initial reluctance, Larry eventually enrolled in university to study for ministry. His educational journey wasn't without challenges, as he sometimes found himself questioning teachings that contradicted what he had learned from his personal Bible study. These experiences helped shape him into someone who encouraged others to think independently and engage critically with scripture.

Throughout his thirty years in pastoral ministry, Larry served in multiple conferences and churches, developing skills in church organization, policy, and leadership. His experiences during COVID-19 proved particularly challenging as he worked to balance diverse opinions within his congregation while keeping the church accessible to all. This period reinforced his commitment to finding solutions through prayer and collaborative problem-solving.

Larry's family story includes the adoption of two children, an experience that deepened his theological understanding of spiritual adoption. He notes that everyone in God's kingdom is adopted, drawing parallels between earthly and spiritual adoption processes that require intentionality and commitment. This perspective has enriched his understanding of God's desire to draw people to Himself.

As the new Conference Secretary for Northern New England Conference, Larry expresses enthusiasm for the conference's vision of "Revival in the East" and commitment to the priesthood of all believers. He values the clarity of this vision and its biblical foundation, seeing it as an exceptional articulation of both evangelistic purpose and liberty of conscience within proper church order.

Larry's testimony emphasizes several key spiritual themes: God's desire to have us in His kingdom, the preciousness of each person in God's sight, and the importance of being immersed in Scripture. He encourages believers to actively share their faith, viewing everyday encounters as divine appointments. His story ultimately demonstrates that God is indeed "the God of the improbable," working through unlikely people to accomplish His purposes.