Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Appreciating A Shepherd

Last evening, the family and I traveled to Gary, Indiana, to share with the Pilgrim Baptist Church who honored Pastor Charles L. Emery & Family with a 30th Year Pastoral Anniversary Banquet at the Genesis Convention Center.

The banquet was a culmination of services held the prior weekend as many pastors, elected officials, guest churches and sons in the ministry gathered to express appreciation, affection and adoration for his ministry to church, community and even the country. An honor was bestowed upon me to serve as Toastmaster for this great occasion. I was not sure how it would turn out seeing that I’ve never served in this capacity, but those present expressed appreciation for how smoothly we went along, so I am grateful. The theme for this occasion was “The Shepherd’s Love for the Sheep” taken from John 21:15-17 which says:

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 (ESV)

Usually, pastors ask one of their ministerial colleagues to serve as keynote speaker for such occasions, however, Pastor Emery chose a different route this time. Mrs. Coraetta Rollins, a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Indianapolis, and one who has served as Leader of the Women's Auxiliary in The General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Indiana, did a marvelous job expounding on the theme and gave great encouragement to many of the pastors present. I have always respected this seasoned woman of God and her work in the church and convention speaks for itself. It was a joy to see her and hear her speak.

Pastor Emery is a prolific preacher, a dynamic leader, a visionary pastor and world renowned evangelist, who has touched the lives of countless people across the length and breadth of this country. I spent my formative years under his capable leadership and I am thankful to God for the many things I learned at his feet. I am the preacher, pastor and person I am today largely because of what God did through his influence upon my life.

We had a wonderful evening and all present came away thrilled that they were able to spend this time honoring such a great Man of God. Please pray for the continued success of Pastor Emery and his labor of love at the Pilgrim Baptist Church.

9 comments:

Reginald C. Payne said...

Sounds like you and the family had a great time, I remember hearing Dr. Emery for the first time in Oklahoma City simultaneous revival some 16 years ago we will be praying for the both of you.

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

Sounds like a great day in the Lord! Be blessed.

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

Great post!

I'm glad that you had a great time in the fellowship with Pastor Emery. I have been blessed by his ministry as well as yours.

Fitts said...

Glad to hear you had a great time in fellowship Pastor McGhee.

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

Dr. McGhee, it is fitting that a son such as you would be the toastmaster for a Pastor such as Dr. Charles Emery.

I will always have a special place in my heart for Dr. Emery, as he is the one who introduced me to the Gary Simultaneous Revival in 2002, by letting me stand on a national stage and preach at the Late Night Service. I call him with great affection, Uncle Charles, and please send my congrats to him.

Lance

HALLELUJAH said...

I have been privileged to here Pastor Emery speak; I found him to be very sincere in his delivery of the GOD(S) Holy Word. This is one reasons why I have grown to enjoy blogging; I get the opportunity to hear of GOD(S) Omni presence in the lives of his servants.

Happy Anniversary
Pastor: Charles L. Emery


Great post!!!

Pastor

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

I am happy to hear of the faithful 30 plus years of the Lord's servant, Pastor Emery. I can see that he has touched many lives including yours. He is worthy of the celebration rendered.

By the way, a toastmaster is supposed to be skilled with jokes. Did you have any? I am sure you did a great job. Take care.

Mother

Fitts said...

Right on Dr. McGhee, thanks for the comment on my blog post!

Anonymous said...

Pastor McGhee,

I'm glad you and your family had a wonderful fellowship at the appreciation services for Pastor Emery. To have this honor bestow on Pastor Emery was a blessing from God. Psalm 34:8.; Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

Evangelist