Out of a thankful heart, honor grows. Therefore, we pause once a year with great joy to thank God and honor Him for the gift we have in Pastor Kevin and Renee Berry.
During our last “Family” series, we explored God’s purpose for family. We looked to God’s Word to help rediscover what it means to be brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, parents, mothers, and fathers. No one role is more valuable than the other, but each is needed to complete the beautiful harmony God intended for family in Christ Jesus.
Amongst all these family roles, we would like to bring particular attention to the role of a father, specifically the role of a spiritual father. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I urge you to imitate me.” (1 Corinthians 4:15-16).
In this scripture, we are reminded of the heart of our Pastor, Kevin Berry. He labors as a spiritual father to so many and has done so for more than 40 years. In a day where we can watch thousands of instructors online, we only have one like Pastor Kevin—who faithfully stands with us, guides, and pastors in the Lansing community—lovingly setting a godly example through the victories and challenges of Christian living.
We know we speak for many of you when we say that our pastor is a gift and blessing in this community. Amid some of the most confusing and divisive times in our nation’s history, Pastor Kevin displays the heart of a true spiritual father in his commitment to lead and guard this church family by keeping us focused on Jesus Christ, and Him alone. And for that, we desire to honor and celebrate him.
Though Pastor Kevin would prefer that we refrain from any celebration that puts him at the center, we plan a Pastor Appreciation Day each year, because we believe that honor reflects God’s heart and is a value of the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul writes, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). Therefore, we would like to pause briefly during our Sunday service on October 8, 2023, as we talk about the importance of the role of a spiritual father and bless our pastor. We do so to refresh him, pray for him, acknowledge him, and thank God for his leadership and example.
