Yesterday I spent a few minutes talking with my friend and mentor, Dr. Joe Brown. Joe is 65 and retired from Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte. He recently began an interim at a church in Monroe, NC. Part of our conversation centered on young pastors and how many of them are planting new churches.

I’ve gotten to know several of these young men in recent years and it’s exciting for me to watch what God is doing in their lives. They love Him and are eager to impact the lostness in our world. As part of our Mission Rock Hill effort, I was with several of them last week. We prayed together and shared what God was doing in our hearts. He is bringing a group of us together to do some special things in Rock Hill in the days ahead.

I also met a pastor for lunch in York last week. He serves in the Kings Mountain area and God is using him to turn around an older church. It is growing and he is excited. I connected with him during a workshop I led a few months ago for pastors doing continuing education at Fruitland Bible Institute. We’ve developed a mentoring relationship and he is eager to learn. The truth is I’m always encouraged and learn a few things from him when we get together.

I’m now 55 and I believe God wants me to invest in younger pastors. Guys like Joe Brown and Bill Mackey did that for me when I was young. That’s how God’s kingdom works.

There is a young pastor in Rochester, NY who is planting a church. Most of you have heard him preach @ FBC. His name is Elliot Sneed. Our church supports his church financially. Each time you give your tithe at FBC, one of the many ministries you help is Elliot’s Discovery Church.

Brother Joe and I have more years of ministry behind us than in front of us. While God is not done with us yet, we are both thankful the Lord is raising up these outstanding young preachers. I’m also thankful for the opportunity I have to help them. I couldn’t do that without your support and I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Pastor Steve Hogg