President's Post
March 2019
This month we have had some great interviews with a Southern student and some who might be called from the plow. God calls whom He chooses. The call on a pastor’s life is so powerful it is lifelong. I believe when that pastor dies that call also dies with him. To be chosen to study, to speak for God, and to represent Him to everyone you come in contact with is a privilege like no other. Our job as administrators of Gulf States Conference is to find those who have been called.
A few things we look for:
1. Spirituality -- If the individual does not read and study his Bible daily, pray intently expecting God to answer, and share his faith with every opportunity he has, we don’t care to bring him into our conference. (We are picky with high expectations)
2. Passion – God given passion about His work in this world. Passion that drives the pastor’s ministry regarding how to reach communities with the Gospel. A passion that doesn’t dim when frustration enters his ministry. God Himself has implanted and imprinted this passion inside the pastor. It is lived out every day.
3. Leadership – We had a conversation this week with a very impressive couple. They described ministry opportunities they have had and how they have fulfilled those opportunities. Brian Danese our Treasurer/VP of Church Development brought up to this couple that if they wanted to do ministry they should stay where they are. They are very successful where they are doing ministry. But if they felt called to lead a church to do ministry, then let’s get serious about this opportunity that we might have. I believe it was a defining moment for that precious couple.
4. Responsibility – We have learned to look for maturity. We use our PXT to help guide us with data that otherwise would be impossible for us to attain. We look for team people, those who aren’t just good at what they do but can make the rest of us better than we’ve ever been. Of course, we reference through their resume’s and do a lot of comparisons with those we have who are successful. (And we have more than most conferences right now.) The team we have in GSC is becoming stronger and more focused. I believe that has started with our involvement, encouragement and accountability that we established one and a half years ago.
We are putting together Gospel Presentation weekends. We are so excited about what they can bring to our conference. A Biblical understanding of the question; “What must I do to be saved.” Brian Danese has taught this at our camp meeting and several churches throughout our conference. But we want to make sure everyone gets an opportunity to have Pastor Brian in the next few years. So, come this September 6th & 7th, we will be in Birmingham 1st Church. Then on September 20th & 21st we will be in Huntsville. If you are near these churches please make every effort to join us. You will not be sorry.
This weekend I join the other Administrator’s as we dedicate Panama City Church and burn their mortgage. What a day that will be!! They have been through so much with Hurricane Michael and still are recovering and many not back in their homes. It will be a Sabbath to remember. May God bless all of our Panama City members and their community.
Storms have come through Alabama with a vengeance. Opelika and Phenix City have reported no church damage, but the community has loss of life and significant damage. Tornadoes come with little warning so an individual can be caught unaware. Please pray for our state and our members as they recover and help others to see Light in the darkness.
I preached up in Valley near Birmingham, I’ll just tell you, how wonderful of a small church they are!! I feel good being around such Christian men and women. The lay pastor is doing a beautiful work. I’m so thankful for those who can work and successfully pastor a church. It truly is a calling that Pastor Leroy Abrahams has answered.
Until next time,
Dave
Alamisco Camp Meeting
Friday, Apr 5, 2019, 06:00 PM
Camp Alamisco Road, Dadeville, AL, USA
BMA Camp Meeting
Wednesday, May 22, 2019, 04:00 PM
Bass Memorial Academy, U.S. 11, Lumberton, MS, USA
Office of the President
Email: admin@gscsda.org
Website: gscsda.org
Location: 10633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, USA
Phone: 3342727493
Facebook: facebook.com/gulfstatesconference
Twitter: @gscsda