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Pastor Appreciation Month
>> Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October is Pastor Appreciation month and I just want to recognize some pastors who have had a huge impact on my life!
Pastor Jeff Kistler - I attended Middletown Road Baptist Church when I got saved in middle school. This is when I figured out I was called to ministry! Pastor Kistler spent so much time pouring into me and loving me. He helped light my fire for Jesus as a teenager!
"Pastor" Judy Steidel - Ok, so she wasn't exactly an ordained pastor, but this woman ran a bible study of 80+ teenagers every week in her house. Through her bible study I rededicated my life to God and started going to Victory Family Church. She took me under her wing as a son and showed me what it's like when someone lives a passionate, sold out life to God. I still get fired up just thinking about her!
Pastor Larry Bettencourt - Ok... so without this man... I have no clue where I'd be! I interned under his leadership for 2 years. He taught me a ton about ministry, opened doors for me, and gave me my first opportunities to speak. I am so thankful for his leadership and now I am grateful for his friendship. He's changed thousands of lives and he continues to do that through his ministry (Finishline).
Pastor Zack Blair - Sounds weird to call him Pastor because we've known each other since we were freshmen in college! It's been awesome seeing Zack grow into his calling. He is now touching a generation of twenty somethings and he is constantly speaking into my life and taking me to new levels. I love this guy!
Pastor Craig DeBower - PC! I don't even think I need to say anything else! This man is a walking Bible! He was a CEO and now he is a Pastor... the man has a ridiculous amount of wisdom on the inside of him. It's a privilege to get to spend time with this guy!
Pastor Steve Moore - Over the past year I've gotten the opportunity to spend a lot of time with this guy! He took my leadership/ministry lid and blew it out of the water! My favorite line of his would be when something crazy would happen (pretty regularly) and he'd say to me, "Welcome to ministry!"
Pastor John Nuzzo - When I see everything happening at Victory... I just think to myself... What if Pastor John and Michelle weren't obedient to God? Wow... thousands upon thousands of lives have been impacted forever as a result of their obedience. They are touching a generation. I can't even put into words how grateful I am to sit under this mans teaching and leadership...what a privilege.
I would encourage you to think about the Pastors who've helped changed your life as a result of their obedience to God and write them a letter, buy them a gift, or simply tell them you appreciate them. Ministry really is a thankless job, you'd be surprised what just hearing "thank you" can do to encourage a pastors heart.
