I’m really excited about the new children’s ministry staff that was introduced to the congregation last Sunday during our REFRESH service. They bring a lot of energy, passion, experience, and love for kids our ministry and I believe God is going to do some incredible things in the days ahead.

I shared with the church last week that the past several months have been challenging for me. I felt like I couldn’t see the forest for the trees and was having a hard time getting a clear sense of direction from God regarding how to replace George Smith as our children’s pastor. After conversations with the search team and a large number of church and ministry leaders, I became convinced the route we should take was to bring on staff several people in part time roles instead of finding just one full time person.

One of the reasons I’m excited about this is the way it allows us to address some needs we couldn’t afford to address otherwise. It also allows for each staff member to focus on particular aspects of the children’s ministry.

So here is our team and a simple overview of their areas of focus:

Holly Matthews – We added some hours to her existing schedule and she will now be a full time staff member directing all of our preschool ministries, including the Sunbeams Dayschool. Sherry Rollo will work a few hours on Friday and Sunday assisting Holly.

Rene’ Pitts – Rene will work part time directing our ministry to children to K5-3rd grade.

Rev. Scott Blasingame – Scott will work part time directing our preteen ministry, which is children in grades 4-5th.

Bill Williams – Bill will work part time, focusing on boys and large group activities. He and Scott will assist our RA leaders as well.

Christina Loser – Christina’s part time role will change. She will direct some large group family events, as well as teach in our dayschool.

Will Crosby – Will is new to our church and community. He has answered God’s call to ministry and will work part time helping David Mitchell with Sebo on Sunday evenings and assisting with the children on Sunday mornings. He will be a help with the worship and technology side of things.

Chip Powell – Chip is finishing his seminary degree and we have created a part time pastoral internship for him. This allows him to help our ministry while we also invest in his growth as a minister.

Like I said above, I’m excited about this team. Please join me in praying for them, helping them, and encouraging them. Also pray about how you can be part of our ministry to children and their families.

Pastor Steve Hogg