How has Pastor Jeff helped you in your faith walk?
I ask this of you because of the ways he has helped me. For instance, I had been going through some tough times transitioning as a leader and decided to take a break from things. He called me on the phone, came by my house and held me accountable as a brother and as my Pastor. Now I find myself working my way back into the doors of The Journey.
Do you have a story you would like to share that might be similar to mine?
I’m interested to hear the many ways a Pastor helps not only people in is community but the people inside the Church he leads.
Good Push
Jeff has helped me a lot in my faith. From when I was first learning about God. To now where he pushes me in my faith (LTGs, Couples group, leadership roles). He recommended what parts of the Bible and which book is the best for a beginner to learn about Jesus to read. He also went to Berean with me and helped me choose a book to read to help further my spirituality. He also has had to put up with my crap at EPIC for five and half years (and believe me it was a lot of crap). He will also call just to check in and see how things are going in life and how my LTG and our couples group is going. Just a couple of things that our busy pastor has helped.
Normal Guy
When I was not a Christian, Jeff (and all his imperfections) helped me understand that ‘church people’ are the same as everybody else. I saw him as a normal guy and not a Pastor, and that helped me see that in becoming a Christian, I didn’t have to change who I am.
Just kidding about his imperfections…he is as flawless as it gets!
Amazing!
Ok, so I have wanted to post on this for quite some time, but now have found the time…. Ok where to start. First, I want to say Jeff and Heidi have always been there for a listening ear and great advice. Jeff has counseled me when I needed it and Heidi has been a good friend and given me great words of wisdom. I am truly blessed by these two. I cannot even tell you how I have been blessed by them without shedding a tear or two. So here it goes, all the sappy stuff…
Jeff,
You are an amazing man. I am truly blessed to have you in my life. You are a man of many admirations and a wonderful example of a christian man, father and husband for your sons to see. I am so fortunate that you have always invited me into your home and been a great role model to my son. Matthew completely looks up to you and sees the bond you have with your children. I am glad that he is a witness to see what a healthy, good and loving bond can be between a father and son. I pray that God will give him the same love you give your family from a man one day. Jeff, you also are Matthew’s cadet leader and having him expereince “guy stuff” is exactly what he needs. I thank you for helping him build a cross, cars and teaching him about Christ.
As for me, I want to thank you for accepting me as I am and always encouraging me. You truly take care of me as a father should take care of his daughter. You look out for my best interest, question me on who I am dating, ask me how school is going and most importantly talk to me about my faith. I thank you for being my teacher, pastor and friend. I also want to thank you for changing my oil on my car, putting 2 new tires on my car, the car wash (inside and out) and blessing me continuoulsy. I totally appreciate your generosity. I am so blessed to have you and Heidi in my life. Thank you for calling me up to help others move, clean houses and help me get my family involved in serving the community. My Mom says I am so fortunate to have such a unique pastor, you can see your heart and the love for your church. Jeff, thank you for being you.
Danielle
Words can't describe
That’s funny that there is a forum with this topic, because Jeff came up in my LTG tonight. I just have to say that Jeff has inspired me so much. I wouldn’t be lost without him, but i don’t think I would be the same person I am today had I not known him, and served by his side for the past four years. I owe a lot to Jeff, and if he doesn’t already know how much of a blessing he has been to me, I just want to make it clear and say with all honesty that I am blessed to know you Jeff!
Tremendously
Jennifer and Christian Davis
He has been a huge part of my faith. In the 4+ years I have been attending the Journey I have learned so much from him. He has been there through bad times, and always has been supportive and NEVER judgemental. Heidi also is very kind, and has so much to give she is an angel. She has made moving my son into the “2yr” room much more pleasant :-)
If it had not been for the Journey I honestly don’t know where I would be today with my faith. The Journey has been a comfortable place for me to grow, and contrary to what I have heard Jeff say before….I love to hear him talk! He is so genuine, and real in his “sermons”. He makes it understandable to someone like me who previously had no real religious background. He has a way making sense out of the bible and making it relevant to my everyday life. This is huge for me!! I can be a better person on a day to day basis with that knowlege and the direction is puts me in.
I also am very happy to have this place for my son. He is going to grow up knowing Jeff, who I believe is great influence for him. I want nothing more than good strong male role models in my son’s life, because I do believe that will make a huge difference on the kind of man he will grow up to be.