Among many awards, recognitions, certificates, achievements, numerous leadership groups and conferences, Pastor Gregg was also fortunate enough to put himself through Evangel University, an Assembly of God University in Springfield MO. His worldly career consisted of retail management, as he found himself on the run from God and his true calling. With his latest being a Hardlines manager for Kmart. He was saved right before his 21st birthday and has a true passion for serving God. However, after bible college, Pastor Gregg ran from his calling, felt unworthy, and struggled with alcohol abuse and dependency. However, God bestowed abundant mercy and grace on him. Jesus set him free, and he has not had a drink in ten plus years. It is his prayer that through this book, you too may experience that same mercy, grace, and new life that he enjoys today. I Timothy 1:12 * Romans 11:29 >One evening in the summer of 84' I was studying and praying before preaching (I was a youth pastor in Denver). When I read I Timothy 1:12, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry," Immediately tears flooded my eyes, my heart jumped and I felt the Holy Spirit moving (incredible - indescribable). This verse was for me. I knew instantly and unquestionably that God was calling me to a pastoral ministry. Well, long story short, I took many credited correspondent courses and then went on to Bible College. After two-years of Bible College I fell back in with some old friends (small step... to a jog... then to a run) and I began to drink and party again. This went on for many years. In the midst of the turmoil, trials and heartache I held onto I Timothy 1:12 and even though I continued to make bad choices I knew that what God had spoken to my heart would come to pass. Well, much has happened from that initial summer evening in 84'. I've fallen, fought, grown, fallen again, grown more, hoped, and prayed. Today, through the continuing work of the Holy Spirit, I am a (slightly bruised) new man in and by the grace of Christ. Firm in my faith, God has done much work in me (much more to do) and today I am going forward seeking daily to be obedient to God in all things. Over the past year or so I have sought God's direction and will for my life. I've struggled with doubts because of my age and disability "can God still use me"? The answer I keep getting is Yes He can. And yes He has a plan for my future to reach others with Christ and to help others deepen their relationships in Christ. In 84' I was sure that I was going to be a preaching pastor. Well, because of my rebellion and poor choices, taking the left path instead of staying on the main path, I in essence redesigned God's preferred plan for me. Does that mean I no longer have a pastoral call on my life? No, it doesn't! It's just redesigned because of choices I made. (God knew what could be and He knew what I do.) I absolutely know and believe that God wants to use me as a support pastor. God has a definite plan, purpose and call on my life. I am feeling guided and directed towards a Pastoral Ministry in/of "Care/Edification/Helps". Do I have a 100 % conviction of all the details or how this will unfold? No I don't. But I have faith in the one that does know. God will handle the details and timing. My ministry will come to pass as long as I seek to be obedient to Him each and every day. "My ministry", in reality it is God's ministry. I am a tool that He uses. I am a steward of the ministry He gives me. I must remember I am going to be held accountable for the ministry He gives me. I vow to be the best steward I can be, and to be faithful in all, with His help. Today I hold onto not only I Timothy 1:12 but Romans 11:29 also; "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Today I am firm and solid in my conviction and calling. Today I am willing and ready to be obedient to His will and to His plans for my life. "For the advancement of His kingdom and for His glory" -Pastor Gregg
