Thank God for Pastors!

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion,“Your God reigns!”

Quickword: Thank God for Pastors!

October is Pastor‘s Appreciation Month, a time set aside to honor those who labor on our behalf and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. I simply pause today to honor those Pastors who have been with me throughout my life. As a result of serving 26 years in the Army, I was stationed around the country and abroad and exposed to some tremendous Pastors.

The Late Pastor Moses Dumas: My childhood Pastor whose ministry provided opportunities for children and youth to participate in the church

The Late Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Terry Sr. I was blessed to spend most of my college years under Pastor Terry’s Leadership. It was under his teaching that I learned how to study the Bible. His ability to in preacher speak “work a text” was amazing! This in addition to his gifts as and amazing musician and singer. Yet, it was his honest and direct guidance that I will forever be grateful for. Under his leadership, I was ordained as a Minister.

Rev. Dr. James E. Victor: It was under Dr’s Victor’s pastorate that I accepted my call to ministry. The one on one mentoring sessions ranging from Sermon Preparation to Pastoral Care are lessons that I learned and still use nearly 28 years later. He still checks in on my family and I and we are grateful.

Rev. Dr. Earl Bledsoe: Words can’t even describe what a tremendous influence Pastor Bledsoe has and continues to be in my ministry. It was during my time under his leadership that I learned to meet people /members of a congregation right where they are. Dr. Bledsoe gave the great privilege to serve on his staff and introduce me to be open to Women in Ministry. It was him alone with his amazing wife, Dr. Carolyn Bledsoe that were examples of to me of how to serve and balance family life.

Rev. Dr. Ricky Turner: In just under a year Dr. Turner model for me and other associates ministers the importance of integrity in ministry; he taught me how to Pastor during challenging times without excuses. A tremendous Teacher and Preacher of the Word!

Chaplain Joe Caldwell: Chaplain Caldwell was instrumental in providing an opportunity to Pastor. He too provided a example of how to balance family, ministry, and military life.

The Late Rev. James Green. Pastor Green was masterful at Pastoral Care. There is not anything he would not do to ensure the well being of the members of his congregation. He and his wife, Rev. Louise Green were tremendous examples to my wife and I as a married couple in ministry.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Kemp: My current Pastor leads by example. He leads a church, he is an active leader in the community, a retired military officer and physician. He has a saying when it comes to ministry he often shares with the Antioch Staff that being” keep the main thing the main thing”. He is truly a Pastor who puts God and the ministry first. He has by example taught me how stay focused on the work of ministry, to be still and let God fight your battles. Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

I want to just shout out to just a few others who have been friends, mentors and colleagues. Rev. Joseph Huff, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Board-(Retired Pastor), Pastor Wilbur Green, Pastor Laverne Gill, Pastor Paul G. Wilkinson, Rev. Jessica Kemp, Chaplain Calvin Page, Evangelist Torrey Mitchell, Pastor Dwight Williams, Pastor H. Fritz Williams, Pastor’s Frederic and Kan’Dace Brock, Rev. Randy Story, Rev. Patrick Stewart, Rev. Anthony Griggs, The Late Rev. Joan Armstead and The Late Rev. Oliver Toliver. So many others….almost forgot one, Rev. Mignon R. Jones-Spann!

Today I salute these and all Pastors/ Ministers for the work done in advancing the kingdom of God. I am better as a result of God allowing my path to cross with each and everyone of them. Thank you for your examples of ministry and for preaching the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. My Brothers and Sisters, you who are blessed to have a Pastor, sometime this month, let him or her know how much they are appreciated.