The Lost Art of Stayability in Ministry

Pastor Larry Gill 

In 1992 my oldest child was 17 and now he has 4 boys of his own.  In 1992 neither Brazil, Indiana or Orlando, Florida were on the map of places I thought I might pastor.  In 1992 Larry Gill became the pastor at the Swartz Creek Church of the Nazarene in Michigan.  Although born and raised in Nebraska, for the last 19+ years he has invested his ministry and his life in the Michiganders (or is it Michiganians?) that call Swartz Creek Nazarene home. 

Almost twenty years!!!  I remember when I started pastoring in 1970 that I was told the average stay for a Nazarene pastor was 2.5 years!  I thought my track record of 6 churches in 41 years was admirable.......but 20 years!  I can not begin to imagine all the changes that he has seen in this local church, all the struggles he has mediated, all the highs and lows that make up 240 months of church board meetings!

How did he do it?  I have only known him for about 5 days but I have made some observations during this week long Revival effort.

 *He knows his flock!  I watched him, after the Sunday morning service, greet every child who left by name and with a hug.  I watched as he inquired of his folks about their lives and families.  It was obvious that he genuinely cared.

*While on the platform taking the offering, he reached into his own pocket, took out his own check book, and wrote a check for the expenses of Revival while all the time telling the congregation that if he had the time to do it so did they.

*He passed out full sized candy bars to everyone who came to Revival service on Halloween night.

Small things...yes.  But sometimes it's the small, thoughtful things that define leadership.  He is real, transparent, open, available.  I am sure that across the years there have been those who have come and those who have gone but all the while he remained faithful to his calling. 

I, also, watched his people.....they love him!  I am certain that some of their respect comes from the very fact that he's been there 20 years.  He has dedicated their children and grandchildren, married their sons and daughters, buried their family members.  He has seen them at their best and their worst.  And he has loved them throughout it all.  The church has been blessed with a fine, loving pastor and the pastor has been blessed with a wonderful church that seeks to be all that the Lord wants it to be.  It's a win/win situation!

My hat is off to this fine church and to their long time pastor.  To him and all those pastors like him I say; "Thanks for being true to your calling and a faithful example to so many.  You are appreciated (and not just in October)" 

Revival at Swartz Creek (MI) Church of the Nazarene