STARTING STRAIGHT AND STAYING STRONG

Old people like to reminisce. So, forgive me because I am in that category. This past week has highlighted special memories. August 7, 1976 was Homecoming Sunday at my home church, Oakley Baptist. For a period of time, I had been wrestling with God’s call to preach. My wife and I had recently promised, “Lord Jesus, anything, anytime, anywhere, I am ready.” Now, convinced that meant surrender to ministry, I walked down the aisle during the invitation and announced to the church that decision. My pastor and the people were so encouraging and affirming. Following a gut-stuffing (it was Homecoming, and that’s what Baptists do), I walked into the parking lot and was met by our former youth pastor, and he asked me if I would preach Youth Sunday the next week at Victory Baptist Church, where he was serving. I enthusiastically answered, “Yes!” Then, I thought—what have I got myself into? I had no idea how to prepare a sermon.

Thus, on August 15, 1976, I showed up at that church in Leicester in a solid white suit with navy trim, and a navy shirt and tie, with a black Bible tucked under my arm. The church was packed and I was scared to death. I preached on Paul’s conversion and shared my own, then gave the invitation. A twelve-year old girl have her life to Jesus! 50 years later I am still preaching God’s Word as the opportunity comes.

In 1977, I began studying at Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute (College, as it is now called). Incidentally, this morning I taught my class there as Professor of Biblical Counseling! When I was there as a young man, listening to my professors, had you told me I would one day teach there, I would have called you, “Nuts!” God has plans for us that we never dream of until He fulfills them. The growth in grace and knowledge that came from that season of study enabled me to start straight. My course to be a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching pastor was set.

A year later, on New Year’s Day, 1978 I began my pastorate at Cane River Baptist Church in Burnsville, NC. What were they thinking? I knew so little, yet God enabled me to serve that sweet fellowship of mostly senior saints for three and one half years. The Lord grew me as I did my first wedding, my first funeral, and my first baptism. Our first son and daughter were born during that time. It was a joy to be invited back for Cane River’s Homecoming this past Lord’s Day and have a number of my family attend. Cane River celebrated 226 years as a church! Many of those dear ones, from my days there, have departed for glory, but some were still there and it was precious to be with them again.

God blessed me in starting straight and by His grace, I am seeking to stay strong. Would you pray that I will finish well? I am now five and one-half years into a new phase of ministry as Associational Mission Strategist. One day, I will complete my race. The finish line is in sight! While God gives me a body that works adequately and a brain that works sufficiently, I intend to press on. I want to help our churches accomplish their mission and to encourage our pastors in their ministry.

How can I serve you?

With Joy,

Dennis Thurman, Mission Strategist