This blog entry is for my WFBC people. I really feel like Paul writing to the Philippians because you can tell he truly loved them.
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
I love WFBC largely because I know the Holy Spirit is present and driving that church. I hope to find a Spirit-driven church in Arkansas. I know that wherever I go, I carry the flame of the Holy Spirit inside me, and it only takes a spark. God is Faithful. I'm very thankful.
I am thankful for Lead Pastor Carlos Sibley. He sets a great example as a father and a husband. He spoke at Fight Club near its inception, and he spoke softly and about Kindness. It was a different approach to our militaristic mindset, but it was a message we all needed to hear. From Pastor Carlos I take the example of quiet strength. I also see his example of a manager. He assembled a team of five different associate pastors, and by their powers combined they have WFBC. He does not micro-manage, and that is awesome. If God places me in a leadership position in the future, I hope to have his personal bearing that leads to respect. I'll be praying for him and his family as they lead WFBC.
I am thankful for Pastor General Vic Doss. He is also a great example of a father and a husband. He started it all for me really. I had visited WFBC before, but opted to attend Athens Church for 1.5yrs. In August 2009 General Vic started Fight Club, and after that it was lights out. Through Fight Club I learned what it means to be biblically masculine. I was introduced to other great men in the church as well as college-aged guys who had a passion for growth. The community and bond of brotherhood forged in that basement for 2.5yrs will carry me and strengthen me in my travels. I won't physically be in the same room as these men, but we are united through the Spirit. From General Vic I learned the passionate, intense, no-filter side of Christianity. Sometimes the Spirit hits you in the soft spots, and that's what I needed. I'll be praying for him and his family as he continues to lead Fight Club and the college group. I will pray that God helps him manage his time between his blood family and his church family. I pray for all of my Fight Club brothers wherever they end up. I pray for the future of Fight Club, and the future generations that will take part in it. God truly has an army in Watkinsville, and I'll wear my service patch proudly. I really can't write enough about General Vic. I am so thankful.
I am thankful for Worship Pastor Jason Dominey, and the worship "Domineytion" every Sunday morning. Worship is more than just singing, sure, but they have the singing down to a science. I love Crowder, Tomlin, et al. but when I get to Heaven I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage. Every Sunday, no matter how I was feeling that morning, the worship led me into the throne room of God and I was able to cast all of my cares, confess my sins, etc. and sing with a clear Spirit by the end.
I am thankful for Discipleship Pastor David Holt. When I open the dictionary of words I've learned to "pastor" I see my grandfather's picture. Pastor Holt's picture is now right next to my grandfather's. Just in terms of pure research, topics, etc. My grandfather was not as energetic, but their voices sound the same to me. In Pastor Holt I see a humility that is underneath the surface in that he was the lead pastor of his own church for about 17 years, yet he places himself under the authority of Pastor Carlos now. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I'd like to have Pastor Holt's preparedness. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend in fellowship with him at his home and with his family. I hope to be as personable in my life.
I am thankful for Youth Pastor Joel Shinpoch. Joel's close to my age, but he's a solid example of a young father and husband. It was very easy to work for him. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the WFBC Middle School youth group since August 2010. As a youth leader, I had my small group of 6th and 7th grade guys, but we all led all the kids at one point or another. I am my own worst critic, and I'm glad that Joel put up with me even when I did not feel like being there on a Wednesday night. Also, because of Joel, I only had to buy lunch maybe two Sundays a month :) Joel is a great example of a manager. He assembled a ragtag group of people and made them youth leaders. He is a master organizer and planner. My personality is more shoot-from-the-hip, so that made me even more difficult to deal with at times :) If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have even just a little bit of Joel's organization and managing skills. I hope I can have even just a little bit of Joel's graciousness too when I encounter people with personalities that differ from mine. I'm so thankful for Joel and the opportunities he gave me.
I am thankful for Children's Pastor Scott Carson. I did not get much time to get to know him, but I know that it takes a special person to deal with children. At Camp Icthus I work with 8-12 yr-old kids, and that has shown me that 12 is about as low as I can go in ministry and remain sane :) As a child, I remember bits and pieces of AWANA and Sunday School. Right now I just get frustrated when I can't talk to an 8 yr-old about Predestination, etc. Pastor Scott has a level of grace that I probably never will possess, and that is amazing. It just shows God's organizational skills, and how He puts the right people in the right places at the right time. I know Watkidsville will be a success because of Pastor Scott's faithfulness. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have his patience and graciousness.
So WFBC has 6 pastors. They are husbands and fathers, and good examples of each. They are very different men with different personalities, but together they make up the body of Christ. I hope that I can emulate their positive examples in my life from here on out. Lord knows I have my own negatives! I am deeply thankful that they each tolerated me in their own way. I'm sad I have to leave this fellowship. I'm sad I won't get to go on college retreats, or work with the youth, or watch football with Pastor Holt, etc. anymore. I pray that I can be of some use to the Kingdom out in Arkansas, and that these pastors would be proud of me. I can leave knowing that WFBC is secure. My Fight Club brothers are strong, the youth are strong, the leadership is strong. I am truly thankful for the time I was given at WFBC. If God sees fit to bring me back in the future, I'll hit the ground running. If this is the last time I see them this side of Heaven, then as I said before, I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage.
Obviously, there are so many more people that I've been involved with at WFBC, but it would take forever to list and thank them all. By naming the leaders, you can put yourself in that category and know that I am thankful for you as well :) If I ever did anything to frustrate you, or wrong you, consider this my written apology. I love you all.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
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