The pastors in our denomination are our most crucial ministry workers, whether in the United States, Bangladesh, Kenya, or anywhere else. And now that we are deep in the middle of October we want to extend our collective appreciation for all of our pastors in the CGGC. To do this we’ve asked regional directors and leaders from across the entire body to say a few words of thanksgiving.
Dave Odegard, Great Lakes Conference Executive Director
The local church is the hope of the world and pastors are the heart of that church. Without pastors, churches soon lose their cohesion and begin to look only inward, creating a spiral of selfishness and death. It is the opposite of a Kingdom mentality. Pastors have to continuously take the congregation by the chin through the power of the Word and Spirit of God and point them outward. They are usually not thanked for this work, in fact, people resent it. But, pastors belong to the Lord first before the congregation and are accountable to Him, so they do the hard things. I have loved all of my pastors I have had in my life, and I am grateful for the GLC pastors whom God has called to give witness to the world of His truth in love. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Kendall D. Hughes, Western Region Director
Words cannot fully express the love, gratitude, and respect we have for Pastors. I am sure that most do not understand the hours put in by the pastors here in the Western Region. The love and care they give to their congregations is unmeasurable. They are the boots on the ground in the Army of the Kingdom. During this month of October, we just want to say, "Thank You!". To reassure the pastors that we are praying for them. May God bless them richly.
We also remember and say "Thank You" to our retired pastors as well.
Tim Welsh, California Eldership President
During Pastor Appreciation Week in the California Region, we come together to celebrate the incredible dedication and sacrifices made by our pastors, each of whom has left an indelible mark on our communities. Pastor Victor Montalvo's unwavering commitment to Latino ministries in countries like Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico is truly commendable, as he spreads the message of faith and hope across borders. Pastor Johnny Rhodas has embraced the mantle of leadership at Fallbrook Church with grace and purpose following Pastor Thomas Rhodas's retirement, guiding our congregation towards new horizons.
Pastor Brad Taylor's ministry in hospice and addiction recovery through "Recovery Rocks" has touched countless lives, offering solace and healing to those in need. Pastor John Burns' tireless engagement with the Wheatland community, whether in joyful weddings, solemn funerals, or spirited high school sports events, reflects his deep connection with the people he serves. Lastly, we salute Pastor Gary Hopper for his enduring dedication and unwavering faithfulness to the house of God, steadfastly guiding us through life's ups and downs. Together, they exemplify the spirit of unwavering commitment and service that we cherish in our pastors.
God Bless,
Travis Bodden, Midwest Regional Conference Director
It has been such an honor to work with the incredible Pastors in the Midwest Region. They truly are a remarkable group of individuals striving to be faithful to the call that God has placed on their life. May God fill your soul full with encouragement as you lead the amazing people that call our congregations "Home".
Phil Scot, Allegheny Region Director
We owe a lot to our pastors. They are there for us. They hold our hands when we are crying, they are there for us when we are happy. They have been with us through the ups and downs. They have prayed for much our lives, for the times that we’ve asked and the times that we haven’t. They spend hours thinking about us, and messages that will speak to us and help us draw closer to God. And I think about how often they have spent time in our living rooms, gone with us to places, been with us, seen us in the hospital.
I just want to say thank you to all of our pastors for all the countless hours that you give, that are undocumented, just doing life with us.
Colleen S. Gross, Director of Pastoral Family Health of the Eastern Regional Conference
Somehow words can’t express the gratitude I have for all those who have accepted a call from our loving Father as they walk out this calling in a local church. These men and women sacrifice themselves through an unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of those entrusted to their care. Thank you….you are noticed…you are loved…and we are eternally grateful.
Nate Buck, Current Director of of Discipleship, and Future Eastern Regional Conference Executive Director
I thank God when I think of brothers and sisters across the regions who have responded to God's call and have dedicated their lives to His purposes. I pray you receive His divine power, providing everything you need for life and godliness. That as you receive, you also partner with His divine nature. That you will bring, through your design, what He supplies to amplify what He has choreographed in people and places where you are. And that as you remain dedicated to live this way, you will never stumble or fall, but rather have the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven abundantly before you. (2 Peter 1:3-11)
Lance Finley, Executive Director of the CGGC
I want to express my thanks to the many good and faithful pastors across the CGGC!
Thank you for your faithful service to the kingdom of God.
Heavenly only knows the time, sweat and tears that have undergirded your work to lead, equip and shepherd God’s people.
I know that there’s a lot of your work that goes unnoticed – it’s not on the platform on Sunday morning and it probably doesn’t show up in your monthly council report either.
The preparation you do in the Word each week.
The hours of seeking the Lord and interceding for those under your care.
The countless conversations to encourage or come alongside folks in their discipleship journey.
The connections you make throughout the community in order to demonstrate and proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
Thank You! Thank you for serving so well. Thank you for pursuing Jesus with everything you’ve got.
Thank you for continuing to say yes to the God who calls you to serve!
We are grateful.
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CGGC eNews—Vol. 27, No. 42
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