Weekly Update

The month of October has gotten me thinking about the blessing of pastors in my life.
I’ll take a personal privilege and recount some of the people who have served as Pastor over the years:

• Pastor Al Dicer is the first memory I have of a pastor. He was the pastor of my home church in Brazil, IN during the most formative years of my life. He prioritized preaching the Word and reaching the community for Christ.
• Pastor Jeff Tschetter is the most influential pastor of my adolescent years. He was so patient with me when I was not the easiest teenager.
• Pastor Kevin Donoho was my primary pastor in my college years. At that time, he was the Youth Pastor at the large campus church where I served as a volunteer youth leader. Kevin took the time to nurture me when I was first wrestling with a call to ministry.
• Dr. Ron Benefiel was one of my professors in seminary. He also happened to be the seminary president at the time, but he would still take time for students like me. He even opened up his home to me. He demonstrated what it looks like for a pastor to truly be a servant of servants.
• Pastor Ben Spitler has been my pastor for the longest stretch of my life. When I first arrived as Youth Pastor at GCN in 2009, I just knew him as the Lead Pastor at the church where I was serving. Seventeen years later, Pastor Ben is more like an adopted father, a mentor, and a close friend. Pastor Ben is, by far, the most influential person for me, as I pastor.
• Pastor Kelly Spitler. Similar to Pastor Ben, Pastor Kelly has been an adopted mother to me. In fact, if you look up the words “hospitality” or “motherly” in the dictionary, I think you might find a picture of Pastor Kelly.
• Pastor Terry Sweeney. I loved working alongside Terry. She exudes joy. She showed me that being a pastor means meeting people where they are and listening well.
• Pastor Karen Van Gilder. She is a gift to GCN. Personally, she was a lifeline to me during the transition years and early lead pastor years for me. Without even trying, she was pastoring me.
• Pastor Lauren Miller. Pastor Lauren represents the full circle nature of ministry over the long haul. I first met Lauren when she was a teenager on the district. Now, she’s the best youth pastor in GCN’s history. She’s a good friend, is wise well beyond her years, and exudes creativity and compassion. She has taught me how to extend my perspective in the best of ways.
• Pastor Kevin Liddle. If you had told me several years ago that I’d be serving with my friend, Kevin, at the same church, on the same mission, I would have told you it’s too good to be true. But here we are. Kevin’s heart for discipleship, for people, and for Jesus are contagious. I am a better disciple of Jesus because of my friendship with Kevin. What a gift!
  
  

No doubt, more pastors could be named, but I don’t want to write a book. Thank God for the gift of shepherds in our life, who consistently point us to Jesus. Thank you, pastors! And thank you, church, for serving, for loving, and for praying for your pastors.

God is so good!

A FEW OTHER THINGS:

1. Faith Promise Sunday. November 1st. We’ll have guests, Jay and Teanna Sunberg, joining us. They are missionaries in Manhattan. Then, we’ll celebrate with and international potluck lunch! The purpose of Faith Promise Sunday is to generously give towards the mission of the church, all around the world. Check out this video to learn more about Faith Promise giving.
2. District Team Day. Saturday, November 7th. This is an excellent day of leadership training. Cost is only $20, and that includes lunch. CLICK HERE for more info.

Much Love,

Pastor Brian