Pastor Appreciation Day

Pastor Appreciation Day October, 26th 2014

Talk about our former staff – 7 senior pastors (Nick Dimitris, Lee Harmon, Tim Blevins, Mike Abbott, Richard Marcello, Tom Walker, Nick Honerkamp)

Staff Evaluation Story

Matthew 4: 18-22 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. NKJV

Luke 6: 12-16 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor. NKJV

1. Capable  Jesus found 5 of the 7 disciples mentioned in scripture while they were at work!  He found industrious people. He found people that worked hard. He found people that could endure criticism and would stand for what was right.  You must have more than being capable. But, it is mandatory.  (Mike) ran his own company for 29 years. He has his Bachelors from Duke and Master’s Degree from UNC.  (Blue) was a public school teacher for ?? years. Her and Mark were church planters and she has served several churches as children’s pastor.  (Karen) ran the ?? program at S.O.A.R.  (Brian) is the ?? of Beverly Hanks on main street Waynesville. 2. Respond to His Call  Many are called but few are chosen.  Being part of the ministry team mandates that you have a call for the five-fold ministry. Ephesians 4: 11 He gave the 5 fold ministry to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.  (Brian) has 9 worship leaders that are growing and learning how to lead us into the presence of the Lord.  (Blue) has changed the culture and is training parents how to disciple their children!

3. Ability to leave (Forsake)  Jesus had many followers, but the 12 had to permanently leave something.  There are men and women who are called but do not have the ability to leave something to fully embrace God’s call.  (Mike) left retirement. He works when he doesn’t want to because he loves this church!  (Karen) left her career at SOAR and a boss that had to be negotiated with!  (Brian) from the very earliest memories I have has been willing to make the hard decisions. He left Myrtle Beach!

4. Ability to follow  Jesus asked His disciples to follow Him.  Leaders are First Followers!  They had to leave their successes to become used of Him.  Our staff has to be willing to pray, hear from God and make tough decisions.  (Karen) was willing to move into the Richland Creek trailer park because God was birthing a vision in her heart for the people there.

5. Ability to lead  Jesus took 12 followers, that became the leader of a great movement.  He left His mission in the hands of 12 men.  Eleven of the twelve died for this cause. They were willing to suffer personally.