Casey McDonald

What would you like to share about yourself to help us know you better?

We came to West Side in part because we sensed a strong dedication to the mission of God. We also found families with kids that were our kids' ages. We loved being able to connect to a small group immediately, which provided the opportunity to intimately connect with a few people soon after we started. We began attending in 2014, and I've been working on the ministry team since 2019.  I've worked in various ministerial roles since 2005 including youth, preaching, project management, education and involvement. I graduated from Harding in 2008 with a BA in Biblical Languages. While working full-time, I slowly plugged away at graduate classes and earned a Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology in 2017. Since I'm a glutton for punishment, I pursued a Doctor of Ministry degree which I completed in 2023.

What’s a new skill you’ve learned recently?

I thought I knew how to swim, but I've recently learned I just knew how to survive in the water. I'm learning how to swim for longer distances, which is a completely different skill set than what I knew.

What’s a good thing in your life right now?

Seeing my children grow, mature, and become more independent is rewarding. Anything done right with them I thank my wife for.

What’s a verse from Scripture that has made an impact on you?

Paul wrote, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Gal. 1:10). This passage reminds me to seek God's approval in the things I do and say. I am a people pleaser by default, and I sometimes let that distract me from seeking first to please God.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I'd love the superpower to read minds, but only if I could choose when to do it. I wouldn't want to hear what's in everybody's head at all times.