“No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a leader. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psalm 75:6-7)
Over the past nine years, one of the greatest joys Denise and I have had is the privilege of participating in the placement of pastors. As the early church did, we have prayed with boards, “show us Lord which one you have chosen” (Acts 1:24). We have trusted the five groups of people involved in the placement process; 1) the Holy Spirit, 2) the potential pastor, 3) the church board, 4) the congregation and 5) the District Superintendent. Time after time we have watched God choose the right leader for each church, with many godly people participating in the process.
In just the next few days, we have the privilege of participating in the installation of Rev. David King and his wife Traci, in our Naperville Trinity Church. This got me to thinking about the number of pastors who have been placed on our district over the past 9 years. Here is the list of 40+ – what an incredible group of pastors and leaders we have serving among us!
Feb ’15: Israel Ramirez, Fuente de Vida Spanish
Apr ’15: James Ratthahao, Cornerstone Bible (Laotian)
Jun ‘15: Paul Johnson, Gathering Point
Oct ‘15: Daniel Thomas, Word Fellowship Outreach (Chicago)
Jan ’16: Rodolfo Pinto, Summit Spanish
Jun ’16: Bill Bahr, Beyond the Goal
June '16: Tina Burton, Resurrection Community
Mar ’17: Mario & Makenzie Flores, Community Cup
Apr ’17: Paul Bold, New Future Mongolian
July ‘17: Al Saulsberry, Greater New Testament
Oct ’17: Ryan Kuehl. Chicago Calvary
Jan ‘18: Oscar Trujillo, El Taller Spanish (The Workshop)
Apr ‘18: Nate Smith, Lighthouse Community
Apr ‘18: Brandon Arbuckle, Northshore
Apr ’18: Carlos Bran, Waukegan Spanish
Sept ’18: Chris Easton, Danville Prison Ministries
Oct ’18: Don Harrison, Limestone Community
Mar ‘19: Tom McCann, Hoopeston Community
Apr ’19: Andres Marin, Casa de Oracion
Oct ’19: Larry & Leticia Henderson, Total Deliverance (Aroma Park)
Nov ‘19: Michael Parenti, Lombard
Jan ’20: Jeremy McLaughlin, Grace Community (Danville Southside)
Jan ’20: Solomon Jothi, Joliet Crystal Lawns
Jan ’20: Rolando Alvares, Prince of Peace Spanish
Sept ’20: Sam Boodala, Hope Church (Indian Ministries)
Nov ’20: Bryan McConnell, Simple Truth
Mar ’21: Adam Wood, PaxNaz (Paxton)
Mar ‘21: Nathan Bargo, Danville Cedar Grove
July ‘21: Jared Richey, Ridgeland (Oak Lawn)
Sept ’21: David Anderson, Kankakee First
Sept ’21: Dave & Betsy Scott, Chicago Northside
Jan ‘22: Ken Bushey, Manteno
Aug, 22: Galen Ryman, First Nazarene (Chicago First Church)
Aug ’22: Daniel & Carolina Carrillo, Chicago Heights
Oct, ’22: Nate Smith, The Table (Joliet)
Mar ’23: Abel Mata, El Shaddai Spanish
Apr ’23: Don Wilson, Crossroads
Apr ’23: Michael Carey, Lighthouse Community
Aug ’23: David King, Naperville Trinity
We cannot say it often enough – to every one of our 283 ministers and especially to the local pastors and ministers who actively serve. Thanks for helping the church move forward by focusing on these basics God has given us:
mobilizing everyone in unity
blessing your community
bringing people to Jesus
becoming Christlike disciples
God has placed your pastor where they are (Acts 1:24). Lay leaders, let’s lock arms with our pastors in a fresh new way. We have wonderful days ahead! You are loved.
Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene