Pastor 10 years comments

Comments

Thank you Bret

I’m thankful for the staff of FBC and their willingness to allow me to speak to you this morning.

I won’t be long before you but I do want to take a minute and speak on behalf of the church staff, school staff, and my self about Pastor Chad.

Some of you may not know that next month will mark 10 years of service as the Pastor of Freedom.

When Pastor Chad and Mrs. Melissa came to the church to serve in this community there were about 30-40 people in the service with much of those being the team that came to plant the church and their children.

They were meeting over in a small store front and quickly outgrew their space. It was within 6 months the church grew to over 100.

He lead through a building move and remodel of an old video store to be able to fit the the size of the congregation.

God continued to bless and within 2 years a believe or a little over, the church needed to move again. It was at that time we moved into the property you see today.

From there there was difficulties, blessings, and an ever present calm that the church would experience with Pastor Chad leading.

I’ve always admired his ability to remain calm in any situation and approach people with love and grace when many would not.

2 years after moving onto this property we had a short discussion in February of 2016 that ended with him saying “I wonder how hard it would be to open a school in Arizona.” and I responded “I”ll look into it.”

That following August, we opened Freedom Baptist Academy. Pastor, Mrs. Melissa, and I worked as a team to open the Academy but Mrs. Melissa bore the brunt of the work.

She has been by Pastor’s side through this churches ups and downs. She has seen her husband shed tears and hear him rejoice over the ministry hear.

She lead the Academy through its first few years and it could be argued the most difficult. We were figuring it all out as we went and she did a great job of administrating and teaching.

Now tonight we celebrate a graduating class by reflecting back on the work done and looking forward to the lives they are stepping out into.

None of which would be possible without the impact of Pastor Chad and his wife Mrs. Melissa.

There are more details and stories I could share about this wonderful couple but for the sake of time I will just close with a statement I’ll make tonight as well.

Many people strive for success. And by anyone’s terms, I believe we could say Pastor Chad has been successful and the ministry here as well.

So Pastor, you’ve been successful in your service to the Lord. But more importantly, you live a life of significance.

Success could measured by the number of lives you impact but significance is about the impact you have on the lives of others.

Pastor and Mrs. Melissa, these 10 years of ministry have had a great impact on many lives and your influence will continue to impact many generations to come by the impact you have had on many of us directly.

Pastor and Mr. Melissa, please come up and receieve these gifts from the church.

Trip to anywhere anytime. Plaque, and flowers for Mrs. Melissa.