Frederick, MD >> One of the newest churches in Sovereign Grace is sending a student to the Pastors College of Sovereign Grace Ministries. Trav and Cindy Neumann of Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick (SGCF), along with their youngest daughter, Emmie, will move to Gaithersburg, Maryland, this summer so Trav can attend the Pastors College. A brand-new church doesn’t normally send someone to the Pastors College so quickly, but Trav and Cindy have prepared over time to make this move. Their goal is to be trained in ministry and then return to serve the Frederick church.
In 2002, the Neumanns began attending Covenant Life Church (CLC) at the invitation of their adult son, Ben. (Besides Ben and Emmie, the Neumanns have another daughter, Julie, who is married and lives in Smithsburg, MD.) Trav and Cindy made the more than 100-mile round-trip commute every week for four years. “We just fell in love with Covenant Life,” Trav says. “We continued to pray for a church closer to our area and served at Covenant Life with all our hearts.”
In 2005, Trav and Cindy began leading a caregroup at CLC. Thus, they were well prepared to lead a caregroup in the brand-new Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick when the church-planting team was sent out from Covenant Life last year.
Trav, 52, a successful businessman, sold his company in order to attend the Pastors College. “My motivation to get out of business for the past three years has been to either go into ministry if called, or do ‘tentmaking’ work so as to serve the local church,” Trav says. “God has so changed my affections and desires for him and the local church that everything offered in the marketplace pales by comparison.”
Though invited to attend the Pastors College in 2006, Trav and Cindy deferred attending for a year in order to participate in the Frederick church plant. This year, the offer was extended again, and they were of faith to move forward with the call. “I want to be equipped to serve my senior pastor in a way that frees him to focus on preaching the gospel and leading strategically, knowing that the flock is well cared for and the administrative details are covered,” Trav explains.
At a recent small-group meeting, emotions ran high as members read letters thanking Trav and Cindy for their love and service:
Trav and Cindy opened their lives to us and led by example when it came to sharing difficult times. They went out of their way to draw each of us out and point us in the right direction. —Louise Cooke
You did not shout down to us Scriptures from the mountaintop to remedy our situation. Instead, you began the humble descent to the darkness where we were living neck-deep in unbelief, despair, hopelessness and fear. You postured yourself according to God’s Word to mourn with those who mourn…you recounted, often in tears, your own “swamps of life” and reminded us of God’s faithfulness while pouring out compassion and gentle correction. You spoke God’s Word to us again and again while pointing us back to the ever-faithful, ever-present cross and our Savior. —Mike and Kim Sharp
Trav, we respect you so highly for giving up your successful business life for the gospel. You have been faithful with earthly treasure, and now you are joyfully investing it in the kingdom of God....Cindy, you are showing courage and faith as you follow your husband into this new adventure. Your sweet spirit and caring nature bless all those around you. You bring honor to your husband. —Darryl and Tawn O’Connor
We admire Trav and Cindy's resilience and their ability to unflinchingly ask the tough questions. They are others-centered people whose specific care for us during tough times has been invaluable. —Vince and Amy Norman
You have been a clear example of what it means to be a working part of God's body. You walk the talk, and your path is heading straight for God's heart! We love you dearly, and we will be committed to praying for you during this time at the Pastors College. —Mark and Karen Keller
Cindy and Travis, your cards, notes and phone calls have always been comforting and timely. Both of you are shining examples to us of compassion and tender care for God's people and deep devotion to the Lord. —Jaime and Rita Holguin
You have challenged us in the area of personal holiness and modeled both humility and genuine caring. —Steve and Deborah Parlato
You displayed such a heart of love, care, and concern—and kept pushing us to examine what was going on in our hearts. You reminded us of the gospel, and what transforming grace can do when we are willing to humble ourselves before our Savior. —David and Mary Freeman
Trav's ten months at the Pastors College represents a sacrifice on the part of Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick and its senior pastor, Chris Silard. Trav has served on Chris's leadership team, carried out administrative duties, and led a caregroup from the beginning.
On August 12, Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick prayed for Trav, Cindy, and Emmie as they sent them to the Pastors College. Chris Silard prayed, "Pastoring is not only about gifting, it is just as much about character, and we thank You for the proven godly character of this man."
Story by Tawn O'Connor
For more about Trav and Cindy Neumann, read a story they wrote in 2006 about joining the Frederick church-planting team.
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