Thank God for Pastor Gant

Introduction: A Pastor Sent by God

There are some gifts that only God Himself can give, and a faithful pastor is one of them. Throughout Scripture, God makes it clear that His people are not meant to wander without direction, without leadership, or without the guidance of His Word. That is why He declared in Jeremiah 3:15, “I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” This is not merely a promise; it is a divine provision, a sign of God’s love and care for His people. When God gives a pastor, He is not giving a hireling, but a shepherd after His own heart. He is giving a leader who is equipped to guide, a preacher who is anointed to proclaim, and a servant who is called to care for the flock.

When we look at the history of Israel, we see what happens when God’s people do not have a true shepherd. In Judges 21:25, the Bible says, “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Without godly leadership, chaos and spiritual decay set in. When there is no voice declaring the truth of God’s Word, confusion reigns, and people drift further from God’s will. But thanks be to God, He did not leave His people without direction. He provided them with leaders, prophets, and ultimately, pastors who would shepherd His flock with wisdom and understanding.

A true pastor does not simply fill a position—he fulfills a calling. He does not lead for personal gain—he labors for the glory of God and the good of the people. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:11-12 that God gave pastors “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” That means a pastor is not just a preacher, but a teacher, an encourager, a spiritual father, and a watchman on the wall. A pastor stands in the gap, interceding for the people, warning them of danger, and leading them toward righteousness.

And today, we have gathered to thank God for such a pastor—Pastor John Leon Gant. We are here to acknowledge that God has favored us by blessing us with a true shepherd. We are here to celebrate the fact that God has given us a man who preaches the truth in season and out of season, who stands firm on the Word of God, and who labors tirelessly for the flock. We are here to say, “Lord, we do not take Your gift for granted!”

Church, do you realize how blessed you are? Not every congregation has a faithful pastor. There are many churches today where the pulpit is empty of real preaching, where the Word of God is watered down to please the masses, and where leaders care more about their status than their service. But thanks be to God, this house has been given a man of God who walks in integrity, who preaches with power, and who leads with love. We have a shepherd who stands on the authority of Scripture, who does not compromise the truth, and who is committed to the spiritual well-being of his people.

So as we reflect on Jeremiah 3:15, let us recognize that Pastor Gant is not here by accident. He is not here by human decision alone. He is here because God placed him here. And because of that, we have a reason to rejoice. We have a reason to give thanks. We have a reason to say with one voice—Thank God for Pastor Gant!

I. Thank God for a Pastor Who Feeds the Sheep

The first thing the text tells us is that God gives pastors who will “feed you with knowledge and understanding.” That means the job of the pastor is to make sure that the people of God are not spiritually malnourished.

Now, feeding the flock is not a light task. Anybody can get up and talk, but not everybody can truly feed the people of God. There are many who fill the pulpit, but not all of them are truly feeding the sheep. Some are giving motivational speeches instead of gospel messages. Some are preaching sugar-coated words instead of the full counsel of God. Some are offering entertainment instead of edification. But a real pastor does not just preach what people want to hear—he preaches what they need to hear! A real pastor does not just tickle ears—he strengthens souls!

Church, you ought to thank God that Pastor Gant is a feeding pastor! He does not stand before you with empty words. He does not just give you feel-good theology. He labors in the Word, seeking God’s truth, rightly dividing the Word of God, and ensuring that when you leave this house, you are full and not empty.

Think about how many times you came into the church discouraged, but after the sermon, you felt refreshed. Think about how many times you were confused about life, but after hearing the preached Word, clarity came to your mind. Think about the moments when the storms of life were raging, and just one Word from the pulpit gave you the strength to keep going!

That’s because you have a shepherd who feeds the flock! That’s because Pastor Gant has committed himself to the study, the meditation, and the proclamation of God’s Word! And for that, we ought to thank God!

But let me tell you something, church—feeding the flock is not always easy. Pastor Gant has had to preach through his own struggles. He has had to stand in this pulpit even when he was weary. He has had to feed you while he himself was fighting battles. And yet, he never stopped serving. He never stopped preaching. He never stopped pouring into the people of God.

Pastor Gant, be encouraged! Keep on feeding the flock! Keep on preaching the unadulterated Word of God! Keep on standing on the truth, because every sermon you preach is making a difference in someone’s life! Somebody out to shout “Thank God for Pastor Gant!”

Point 2: Thank God for a Pastor After God’s Own Heart

In Jeremiah 3:15, God promises that He will give His people pastors after His own heart—leaders who are attuned to God’s will and who reflect His character in every aspect of their ministry. This is not just a lofty ideal, but a powerful calling that shapes the very core of pastoral leadership. A pastor after God’s own heart is one who continually seeks the will of God and humbly surrenders to His direction, and Pastor Gant is an embodiment of that calling.

The heart of a pastor after God’s own heart is marked by a deep love for God, a commitment to His Word, and a desire to shepherd God’s people with the same compassion and grace that God shows to us. Pastor Gant exemplifies this calling in every way. His ministry is characterized by a consistent pursuit of God’s presence, a heart that desires to know God’s will, and a life that reflects the heart of the Father. He does not lead out of self-interest or personal ambition; he leads because of his deep conviction that God has called him to serve this congregation for the glory of His name.

One of the clearest signs of Pastor Gant’s alignment with God’s heart is his dedication to preaching and teaching the Word of God. He doesn’t preach out of obligation or as a mere intellectual exercise—he preaches because God has called him to proclaim the truths of Scripture to the people of God. Every sermon is filled with the love of the Father, and every word he speaks is aimed at pointing us to Christ. Pastor Gant doesn’t compromise on the truth of God’s Word. He speaks boldly, but with a heart full of grace, striving to meet us where we are and lead us to the fullness of life in Christ.

Furthermore, a pastor after God’s own heart is one who demonstrates godly character in his everyday life. Pastor Gant’s integrity and authenticity shine through in all that he does. He is a man of prayer, always seeking the Lord’s guidance before making decisions. His life is a reflection of humility, as he recognizes that any success or growth in the church is not by his own strength but by the grace of God. In his interactions with others, he displays patience, kindness, and a commitment to justice, always striving to reflect the character of Christ.

Pastor Gant also demonstrates a heart for the community around him, showing the same compassion that God shows to the lost and hurting. His ministry goes beyond the pulpit, as he seeks to engage with those who are struggling, offering support, encouragement, and the love of Christ. Whether he is counseling someone going through a difficult time, comforting a grieving family, or reaching out to those in need, Pastor Gant’s heart beats with the compassion of Christ. He has the heart of a shepherd who desires to see every member of the flock cared for, loved, and brought into the fullness of God’s grace.

A pastor after God’s own heart also carries the burden of the church in prayer. Pastor Gant has demonstrated time and again that he is a man of prayer. He doesn’t simply pray for his congregation; he prays with a heart that desires to see God's will unfold in each person’s life. His prayers are filled with sincerity and passion, and he intercedes for the church with a genuine love and concern for our spiritual well-being.

When we consider all that Pastor Gant does—his unwavering commitment to God’s Word, his godly character, his love for the people, and his fervent prayer life—we see the heart of a pastor who is truly after God’s own heart. He is a man who seeks to follow the example of Christ in all things, and in doing so, he leads us closer to God’s will for our lives.

Thank God for Pastor Gant.

Point 3: Thank God for a Pastor Who Stands Strong in the Storm

Life is filled with storms. Challenges, trials, and struggles are inevitable, and they can sometimes threaten to overwhelm us. But it is in the midst of the storm that the true character of a leader is revealed. Jeremiah 3:15 speaks of a pastor who leads God’s people with strength and integrity, and Pastor Gant has shown time and time again that he is a pastor who stands strong in the storm.

A pastor who stands strong in the storm is not one who is free from difficulties or hardships. In fact, such a pastor will often face the same storms as those they are called to shepherd. The difference, however, is that while others may be shaken or overwhelmed by life’s challenges, the pastor who stands strong is rooted in the strength of the Lord. Pastor Gant has shown us what it means to be steadfast and unwavering, no matter what the circumstances may be. Whether facing personal hardships, struggles within the church, or external pressures from the world, Pastor Gant has modeled for us what it means to trust in God’s sovereignty and to stand firm in our faith.

One of the most powerful ways Pastor Gant has demonstrated his strength in the storm is through his unwavering faith. When challenges arise, he does not falter in his belief that God is in control. He understands that storms are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities for His presence to be made manifest in our lives. Pastor Gant leads us through the storms with a quiet confidence that God will see us through, and that He will use every trial for His glory and our good. His faith is not based on circumstances, but on the unshakable truth of God’s Word. This steady faith encourages us to hold fast to God in the midst of our own struggles, knowing that we can trust Him, even when the winds howl and the waves crash.

Another remarkable aspect of Pastor Gant’s leadership in the storm is his ability to provide peace and guidance when everything seems chaotic. In the midst of difficult seasons, he has often been the calming presence, reminding us of God’s promises and encouraging us to stay the course. He is like the shepherd who remains calm and collected when the sheep are frightened, guiding them with wisdom and assurance. When life’s storms come crashing in, Pastor Gant stands as a pillar of strength, offering clarity and hope, and pointing us back to Christ, the ultimate anchor for our souls.

Moreover, Pastor Gant’s strength in the storm is not just emotional or spiritual; it is also practical. He has walked alongside many of us through our own personal storms, offering wise counsel, comforting words, and tangible support. He is not a distant leader who merely preaches from afar, but a hands-on shepherd who steps into the mess with us, offering a steady hand and a listening ear. His presence in times of difficulty is a source of strength for our church, and his willingness to carry some of the burdens of his congregation exemplifies the sacrificial nature of pastoral care.

There have been seasons in this church where it felt like the storm was too great, and it seemed as though we might be tossed about by the winds of uncertainty. But in those times, Pastor Gant did not shrink back; he leaned into God’s strength and stood firm for us. He trusted God’s plan even when it was not clear, and he continued to lead with conviction, clarity, and courage. His unwavering commitment to God’s Word and His promises has been a source of encouragement to us all.

When we thank God for Pastor Gant, we are thanking God for a man who has shown us what it means to stand strong in the face of adversity. He has modeled the kind of leadership that trusts in God, even when the storm rages, and he has helped us all to see that no matter the trial, we are not alone. We have a pastor who is not only strong for himself, but strong for us, leading us with wisdom, grace, and strength through every storm we face.

Thank God for Pastor Gant.

Point 4: Thank God for a Pastor Who Loves His People

In Jeremiah 3:15, God promises to give His people pastors who will feed them with knowledge and understanding, but the role of a pastor goes far beyond simply teaching and leading. The heart of a true pastor is one who deeply loves his people, and this love is the driving force behind all his ministry. Pastor Gant exemplifies this love in every aspect of his leadership, showing us what it means to love as Christ loves.

A pastor who truly loves his people is not just concerned with their spiritual growth, but with their overall well-being. Pastor Gant understands that the church is not a mere gathering of individuals, but a family bound together in Christ. His love for us is not based on our perfection or our performance, but on a deep, unconditional affection that reflects God’s love for us. This love is the foundation of his ministry, and it drives him to serve us sacrificially and selflessly.

Pastor Gant demonstrates his love through his constant care and concern for each member of the congregation. He knows us by name, he understands our struggles, and he rejoices in our victories. Whether in times of celebration or sorrow, Pastor Gant is there, offering encouragement, support, and prayer. His love for his people is not abstract or distant—it is personal, real, and tangible. He is genuinely interested in our lives, and he invests deeply in our spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being.

In his pastoral care, Pastor Gant consistently models the love of Christ, showing us how to love one another in the same way. Christ’s love was not distant or passive; it was active and sacrificial. He gave of Himself fully for the good of His people. Pastor Gant follows Christ’s example in this regard, giving his time, energy, and resources to care for those in need. He does not shy away from the difficult situations or the messy parts of people’s lives. Instead, he enters into them with compassion and grace, showing us that love often means walking through hardship with others and offering a helping hand when it is most needed.

A pastor who loves his people also seeks to protect them. Pastor Gant has been a faithful shepherd, guarding the flock against false teachings, division, and anything that would threaten the unity and health of the church. He is quick to speak out against anything that would harm the body of Christ, and he takes his role as a protector of the people very seriously. But his love for the church is not just about protecting us from external threats—it also involves gently correcting and guiding us when we stray. His corrections are always done in love, with the goal of bringing us back to the path of righteousness and helping us grow in Christ. His loving discipline is a reflection of God’s own loving discipline for His children.

Pastor Gant also demonstrates his love through his continual investment in our spiritual growth. He doesn’t just feed us with knowledge, but he invests time and energy into helping us apply God’s Word to our lives. He loves us enough to challenge us to grow, to stretch beyond our comfort zones, and to become more like Christ. His passion for seeing us mature in our faith drives him to encourage, disciple, and walk alongside us as we navigate the complexities of life.

Moreover, Pastor Gant’s love for his people is contagious. It inspires us to love one another in the same way. As we see the depth of his care for us, we are reminded of Christ’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves. His love serves as a model for the congregation, showing us how to sacrificially love and serve one another in the body of Christ. Pastor Gant’s love creates a culture of care and compassion within the church, where we are encouraged to build each other up and bear one another’s burdens. His love is a reflection of the heart of God, and it draws us closer to each other and to Christ.

When we reflect on the incredible love Pastor Gant has for us, we are reminded that this is a love that is grounded in the gospel. It is a love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. Pastor Gant loves us with the love of Christ, and this love has made a lasting impact on each of our lives.

Thank God for Pastor Gant.

Closing: A Personal Word to Pastor Gant

Pastor Gant, as we reflect on all the ways God has used you in our lives, I want to remind you of something deeply important: everything you do—every sacrifice, every moment you pour into this ministry—flows from your connection to the cross of Christ. You’ve shown us what it means to lead with integrity, to stand firm in the storms, and to love deeply. But let me remind you, Pastor, none of this is possible without your steadfast commitment to staying near the cross.

It’s at the cross where your strength is renewed. It’s there you find the courage to press on when the road gets tough, the grace to continue loving us even in the most challenging moments, and the wisdom to guide us toward Christ. You’re not just our pastor because of your abilities, but because you live each day in the shadow of the cross. You let it shape your thoughts, your actions, and your heart. The power of your ministry flows directly from your intimate connection with Jesus and His finished work on that cross.

I want to encourage you, Pastor, to never leave that place. Stay near the cross. It is there that you’ll find everything you need—strength for the journey, peace for your soul, and a constant reminder of the deep love Christ has for you and for us. When the weight of ministry feels overwhelming, when the storms of life hit, remember that the cross is where you’ll find the grace to stand. It’s where Christ calls you to lay down your burdens, to lean into Him, and trust that He will carry you through.

Pastor Gant, your ministry is powerful because it is built on the foundation of the gospel. You’ve shown us the importance of staying anchored in Christ’s sacrifice, and we are so grateful for your example. I pray that you will always find rest and renewal at the cross, that it will continue to be your source of strength and the place where your love for this church is continually fueled.

Stay near the cross, Pastor. There is nothing more important for your ministry and for this church. We need you to continue to lead us from that place of deep connection with Christ. It is from the cross that your strength comes, and it is from the cross that you are able to love us, guide us, and shepherd us so faithfully.

Thank God for Pastor Gant.