He preached on Jonah—then saw himself

By Sharon Mager

MARYDEL, Del. — Most mornings, Jay Comeaux is sorting mail for carriers before the sun is fully up. By afternoon, he’s working the register at the post office.And in between—and beyond—he is pastoring a church.

Comeaux serves as pastor of Community Baptist Mission Church in Marydel, a small congregation he has been leading for nearly two years. Like many bi-vocational pastors, his days are full, and his responsibilities don’t end when work is done.

At home, he is also caring for his mother, who faces ongoing health challenges following a stroke and a fall that left her with a broken hip.

Between work, caregiving and ministry, Comeaux’s schedule leaves little room for anything else, but he is obediently following God’s calling.

Comeaux didn’t set out to become a pastor. In fact, he spent years running from the call.

“I was being a Jonah,” he said. “Very reluctant… dragging my feet and not doing what the Lord was calling me to do.”

He grew up in the church his family helped start. Under the leadership of longtime pastor Walt Smith, Comeaux said he was unknowingly being prepared for ministry for many years.

“Pastor Walt said he could see from when I was a teenager that the Lord was calling me to preach,” Comeaux said. “He said he could see a lot of himself in me.”

Smith’s wife often joked that the two were so alike she couldn’t tell who would come out if they were “shaken up in a bag.” Smith was mentoring Comeaux in practical ways—having him help with projects around his house, gently encouraging him, and teaching him theology along the way.

Even so, Comeaux hesitated to step into ministry.

It wasn’t until after preaching a sermon on Jonah that he realized he, too, was resisting God’s call.

The congregation kept wanting him to step forward.

“I kept telling them I wasn’t ready,” he said. “But it became clear the Lord’s hand was in it.”

In early 2024, Comeaux began preaching regularly.

After being licensed to preach, he was called to serve as pastor just days later.

Now, Comeaux is leading a congregation made up largely of older members, walking alongside them through life’s challenges. And that’s okay—it’s where God has placed him. “They are all very loving and encouraging,” he said.

Seeking support to move forward, Comeaux reached out to the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) for assistance. He met with BCM/D leaders, including Associate Executive Director Mark Dooley and Church Strengthening Director Jeremy Dickson, and Director of Formation and Help Dan Hyun, who encouraged him and connected him with a variety of resources.

Dooley recommended that Comeaux pursue a certificate of theology through Metro Baltimore Seminary. He began classes in August while continuing to work full-time and pastor.

“I’m juggling a lot right now,” he said, adding that the education is worth the work because it’s making an impact.

“The congregation said they can see the difference,” Comeaux said. “Just having some direction has helped.”

Courses in biblical studies, doctrine, and sermon preparation have strengthened his teaching, particularly in helping him provide context for Scripture.

“In preaching, I like to make sure the congregation understands what’s happening in the passage—what the people were going through at that time—and then bring it forward so they can see how it applies to their lives today,” he said.

Comeaux has also been encouraged by mentorship from a longtime pastor and former Delaware Baptist Association Director of Missions, Jim McBride Sr., a connection that dates back years.McBride served as an interim pastor during a difficult season in Comeaux’s childhood, offering support when his father underwent major heart surgery.

Now, decades later, McBride’s experience and calm support continue to guide him.

“He’s been very helpful,” Comeaux said.

Comeaux hopes to see younger people join the church, and with the help of the BCM/D, has begun putting basic infrastructure and security in place to help welcome families when they come.

And after years of hesitation, Comeaux is no longer running, and he’s learning to be faithful where God has placed him.

Visit our website to see how the BCM/D can resource and equp your church to help. you make disciples.

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D content and stories editor.