Thanks Steve

by Joey Davis

The song goes, "time is filled with swift transition..." Upon arriving back in town last weekend, I received a phone call stating that Steve Hale had resigned his position as pulpit minister Sunday morning. However, that statement only tells half of the story.

You see, as different as Steve and I are in many respects, there is one thing that gets our hearts beating in rhythm with one another. . . the next challenge. It was the excitement of the challenge that caused me to come here five years ago. Who verbalized these challenges to me? Steve Hale.

During Steve Hale's tenure here, the size of this congregation has more than doubled. The third floor of the education building was completed and a new worship complex has been built. Although God Almighty and this congregation deserve much credit for the accomplishments of the past eleven years, there is no argument that Steve's work in Mt. Juliet has been integral to Mt. Juliet's success.

He is leaving here to minister to a congregation that closely resembles Mt. Juliet 11 years ago. I personally am excited for the church in Doniphan, Missouri. Little do they know that Steve is on a mission to allow God to use him the same way there! I can say with all confidence that Steve, Cindy, Beth, Jason, and Kimberly are going to a place where they will be loved and supported.

There are three terms that my mother always taught me to say. So, Steve, here goes. . .

Thank You. Thanks for the times that you supported me when it would have been easier to cut me loose. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement when I was in despair. Thanks for being a friend in the midst of being in a difficult business. . . ministry. (After all, who ministers to the ministers?) Thanks for five years of educational lessons and deep spiritual conversations.

I'm Sorry. Forgive me for the times when I crawled into my shell when I should have been standing by your side. Forgive me for the times when I was too busy with school, writing, and personal quests to see that you were stressed out too!

Please. Please continue to search God's word for those wonderful nuggets of truth. Please continue to allow God to use you in the many wonderful ways that he has. Please give Doniphan your best as you have us.

You see, the other half of the story is that he accepted a wonderful challenge in Doniphan. I know that you'll be around for 90 more days but I'll avoid the last minute rush and say, "thanks Steve. God bless you!"

• Goodbye from Steve -Dec 20, 1998