As many of you are aware, the LORD has called our family back to GA. When He began to lead us this way, I was the most shocked person on the planet. Yet GOD’s call has been crystal clear, and we are excited about the new challenges before us. A new chapter has begun. Or perhaps, the LORD is preparing to write a whole new book about His work in and through our family. I begin serving as the executive pastor of Hebron Baptist Church this month.
Be praying for our family as we make the transition back to the climate and culture of the Southeast USA. We are praying that GOD will continue to use us for His glory, to expand His kingdom, to make disciples, and to impact the world for Christ.
GOD is at work in NY and in GA, and throughout the world. Wherever the LORD has called you to serve Him, realize the opportunities all around you to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Serve Him with all your heart, and share the good news with people!
For those of you who missed the announcement about my new ministry assignment, here it is:
5/5/2011
Hebron Church is delighted to welcome back Derek Spain!
Beginning in July, Derek will join Hebron staff as Executive Pastor. Derek served on staff at Hebron (Student Ministry) from 1993-2001 and has since been serving as Pastor of Lake Placid Baptist Church in New York and Director of North Country Ministries (through NAMB). He and his wife of 16 years, Kim, have three children: Grant (13), Andy (10), and Emma Grace (6).
“Derek is a man of integrity with a heart for God”, says Pastor Kevin Miller. “He is someone I completely trust and brings some great strengths to our staff. He also carries the same vision to connect people to Jesus both here in this community and across the world. I’m thrilled that God has led Derek and his family here to serve with us.”
A Dacula native, Derek will bring strong spiritual leadership and broad experience in ministry home to Hebron. His gifts of encouragement, teaching and administration will strengthen his role at Hebron and enable the church body to grow in ministry and outreach.
Derek’s record of spiritual leadership stems from his salvation in 1985. As a college student, he served as a student intern at Hebron, and following ordination in 1993 he moved into leadership in Student Ministry. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Shorter University (1993) and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2001).
He has demonstrated his ability to manage large ministries with enthusiasm and direct new church plants. His gifts in training and discipleship have perpetuated his ministry wherever he has served and his vision for connecting people to Jesus Christ in a variety of settings exhibits energy and insight that will strengthen Hebron’s many ministries.
Join us in welcoming Derek Spain and his family to Hebron!