Unlocking the gift one was given under the constant pressures of life can be a challenge. Discovering the gift may come as a surprise or may be a natural talent assigned at birth, however it takes the skill of listening to one’s purpose to understand they were selected for a specific role in life. After accepting the gift, seeking guidance, prayer and coaching, the following pastors say they have embraced their God-given purpose and are now celebrating their pastoral anniversary. Whether celebrating their first anniversary or their 20th, these individuals have spread a message of faith and hope to hundreds across the city.
The Recorder is celebrating pastoral anniversaries in the month of September by not only acknowledging the accomplishments of these pastors but providing in a time of reflection over their ministerial careers.
Pastor David Hampton – Light of the World Christian Church
Celebrating: Two years
Anniversary celebration events:
Sept. 24
- 7 p.m. – Hour of power
Guest speaker: Dr. Theron Williams of Mt. Carmel Church
- Christian comedian
- All black dessert reception
Sept. 28
- 9 a.m. service – Guest speaker: Pastor Lewis Galloway of Second Presbyterian Church
Noon service – Guest speaker: Rev. Jim Taylor
- 5 p.m. service – Guest speaker: Pastor Jeffrey Johnson of Eastern Star Church
- Reception will follow the 5 p.m. service.
“I feel very blessed to celebrate another year and Light of the World has embraced myself and my family. It’s not that I feel accomplished, it’s more that God has accomplished much though us.”- Pastor David Hampton
Recorder: Over the past couple of years, how have you grown as a pastor?
Hampton: I would say No. 1 is patience. As a young pastor we are excited about what God has blessed upon us but I learned every vision from God doesn’t have to be done right away. Sometimes you have to give people time to catch your vision and time to develop your vision. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
What is something about being a pastor many don’t know?
I’m not sure if the average churchgoer understands the demands placed on a family. Our families have to share us with the church. If I’m not careful to balance my time it could result in neglecting my family. Thirty hours go into one sermon for Sunday morning. That doesn’t include the other 40 hours in meetings, in the community and counseling.
What are some of your personal goals going into next year?
I am a candidate for the IPS school board at large. I’m very engaged in education, it’s one of my passions as a pastor. The pulpit is great, but it isn’t enough to make changes to policies. So if I wanted to make a real difference, I needed to be at the table.
Pastor Michael Jones – Progressive Baptist Church
Celebrating: 29 years
Anniversary celebration events:
Sept. 20
- 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Progressive Music Fest- An evening of music, food and fun at Progressive Baptist Church
Sept. 21
- 10 a.m. – Guest speaker: Pastor D.L. Williams
“I know every member in my church and what’s going on with them. They have my cell phone number if they need anything. I pray with them, I care about them, I carry the load with them and I love them. We have a real relationship. When I go home at night they don’t go home with me but their problems do.” – Pastor Michael Jones
Recorder: What do you remember about your first sermon?
Jones: Years ago I announced my call to preach and back then the preachers did trial sermons. The minister said ‘all right you will be preaching in three weeks.’ I was so nervous and the church in Nashville was very big. It was an evening service and most don’t come back in the evening but that night there was about 1,800 people. I got up to the pulpit and started off standing up straight but by the time I was done the ministers behind me laughed the entire time! I was shaking and I held on to the podium so tight my hands were sweating. I got through it but it took me 15 years to go back and preach that section again.
What personal benefits make ministry meaningful to you?
I like to watch people mature. Just this past weekend I married a young couple and I baptized the bride when she was a little girl. She was involved in the children’s choir and now she’s married. I get the privilege of witnessing the people I saw born or early on in their development grow up and those days make me feel like the luckiest man in the world. To see people come through struggle and know God’s grace is efficient. To be with someone when they were diagnosed with breast cancer and to see them after the surgery, that is the growth for me.
Pastor Tony McGee – Zion Hope Baptist Church
Celebrating: Five years
Anniversary celebration events:
Sept. 21
- 11 a.m. – Guest speaker: Eric Wiggins of New Horizons Church
- 5 p.m. – Guest Speaker: Jeffery Johnson of Eastern Star Church
“It’s been great to watch what God is doing in this community and I’m grateful he has given me a chance to serve as pastor of Zion Hope. It’s an awesome experience because within five years, thousands of lives have been touched through Jesus Christ and through the programs and services we’ve provided for the community.” – Pastor Tony McGee
Recorder: Five years ago did you see yourself where you are today?
McGee: Five years ago I was at Eastern Star worship leading and I was fully content with being there but when I was called to serve as senior pastor at Zion Hope, it was something I couldn’t pass up because of the call God placed on my life. Many people think being a pastor is about having your name in lights or about being in a position of prestige. They think it’s all about money but when you accept the call to be a pastor, you accept the call to serve and sacrifice.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Never neglect your personal prayer and study time with the Lord. It’s great to study to preach and it’s great to study to teach but that personal time alone with God is when he feeds you with what you need in your life. You can do wonderful things but it’s similar to driving from Indiana to South Carolina without stopping. At some point you are going to run out of gas.
Pastor Shaune Shelby – Ebenezer Baptist Church
Celebrating: One year
Anniversary celebration events:
Sept. 21
- 11 a.m. – Guest speaker: Pastor Keith McCarty
- 5 p.m. – Guest Speaker: Pastor Johnny Miller
“Being called pastor within your first year is surprising. I know a lot of people who call me Shaune and everyone freaks out and it’s OK. Churches today are missing pastors who want to be touched and want to touch people. I go out of my way to greet people and do visitations.” – Pastor Shaune Shelby
Recorder: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in the last year?
Shelby: A lot of people look for seasoned pastors, people who have been leading for 10 or 15 years. For me it was leaving my church and starting something new. A lot of people don’t know me, but I am constantly hearing about our ministry. I want young families, young professionals and other nationalities to feel comfortable here.
Being a new pastor, how do you plan on relating to the surrounding community?
We don’t have to be apologetic or change who we are or what we do to keep ministry real. We want to be a church that’s not about politics; we want to be about equipping people to be disciples. We know we can change the city and this side of town by being purpose driven.
