It's Pastor Appreciation Month. At my Church we had a fine turkey dinner with all the trimmings as we honored our Pastor and his Family.
In my fifty-five years of life, I've bounced around to a lot of different Churches, and studied different religions, affiliations and so forth, searching for Truth. I've been confused, disappointed and angry but I've learned a lot, found peace, and felt God's love as well.
Today I'd like to honor a few Pastors...
men of God who have made a difference in my life.
men of God who have made a difference in my life.
Recently I attended a Sunday service at a local Baptist Church where Pastor George Hattenfield preached. I was reminded that day of the impact this man had made on my life as a child. I had given my heart to Jesus under his ministry, through the evangilist team of Hal Webb and Theron Babcock.
Through Pastor Hattenfield's leadership, I became rooted.
Probably the most influential of Pastors I was blessed to have - was Pastor Dr. Richard Metrick. He not only taught the Word of God so impeccably, but he set a strong and good example for his flock that was biblical and honoring to God.
Pastor Gene Cecil was there for me... for us (hubby and me) at a time when we were broken. He called, showed up, put all else aside, and let us know that he was a phone call away. He was always available. A pastor and a friend. A heart for people, a heart for God.
Our currant pastor, Jerry Eisenhour, is on fire for God! His sermons are alive and he doesn't care who he offends as long as he is preaching the Word of God. If you see this man outside of church, you will never doubt that he is a man after God's heart. He loves God, and loves people.
I'm thankful that God led me to the different Churches where these men Pastored, and for the impact they had on my life.
I pray that each one knows that they are appreciated
for their loyalty to God in being in His Ministry.
The same way God speaks to Pastors and Ministers and leads them to other Churches, He leads us where we need to be in our walk with Him.
Pastor George Hattenfield
Pastor Dr. Richard Metrick
Pastor Gene Cecil
Pastor Jerry Eisenhour
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!
What a wonderful tribute to those who were there at a time in your life when you needed them and made a difference in your life!
ReplyDeleteSo sad that a couple weeks ago, our Pastor's dad, in his 80's, was killed unexpectedly. My husband has been substitute Pastor for a couple weeks now. But our Pastor has just returned, and we are so glad!! It's a big job, especially when we have been not well and a church member passed away. So, sadly, we needed to run the funeral. I don't think most people have any idea how challenging it is to pastor a church. While we are still in October, people need to remember and do something for their Pastor. A card, cookies, or gift card to a book store.
ReplyDeleteGinny, I'm so sorry to hear about this... I'm sure God is giving your Church strength you didn't know you had at this difficult time. I'll be praying for your Pastor and for your wonderful Pastor husband who is stepping in and helping the Church.
ReplyDeleteNow,how can I not love this woman!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have great pastors.
ReplyDeletehttp://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com
I loved how you highlighted the special pastors in your life and how they furthered your walk with the Lord! that is awesome! seems like God had his hand always on you, leading you where he wanted you to learn and to grow!
ReplyDeletewhat a great tribute to them indeed!
betty
How lucky you are Bobbi to have had these people there for you when you needed them. It's the way things should be for us all.
ReplyDeleteJim
I've often said that the toughest job in the the world is being a pastor. Most of them will never realize how they influenced people's lives until they stand before God and hear Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord". Matthew 25:21
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting me... Hope you come back often...
ReplyDeleteI am a retired minister in the United Methodist Church ---and worked most of my adult life in churches in the area of Christian Education. It is a HUGE job --and as much as I loved it and gave it my entire life at the time, I am glad to be retired and finally enjoying life with hubby --hiking, gardening and watching my backyard birds.... Life is GOOD....
Pastors definitely need praise and love... It's a huge ministry --but one in which we have to love in order to do it... God Bless All MINISTERS.
Hugs,
Betsy
What a lovely tribute. It is certainly a very big job. One of our local churches is going through a very difficult time with their pastor...very sad for all involved.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you've experienced so many wonderful ministers! Great tribute! The church I grew up in didn't really preach the word. He was more concerned with politics. Didn't understand it then but I do now. My parents left that church a long time ago and never looked back. I am thankful for my Sunday school teachers because from those I learned the most.
ReplyDelete