Ordination Service

Here is the video from the ordination service.




I have posted and will be posting more about ordination.  To read these post, click HERE.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to plan my November 13th ordination service.
Each part of the service is very special to me.  Even the songs had a special purpose.

Here is the outline of the service with certain parts explained.  

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)



I love this song because of its great truth.  It reminds me over and over again of the great gift I have been given in Christ (Romans 5:8).
I love this specific version of the this song because it reminds me of the story of William Wilbeforce and the ministry of the Daughter Project

What is ordination?  Pastor Duke Crawford

You Have Been Raised


The first time I heard this song was at Grace Fellowship Church in Florence, Kentucky.
I attended their Counseling/Discipleship Training - Track 1 a couple of years ago.
The church's passion for teaching and training with God's Word is contagious from the pastor Brad Bigney to those serving snacks and lunches at the conference.
I am especially thankful for my friendship with Ken Long.  We don't see each other very much but when we do, my heart is encouraged.

Why I am thankful?  Pastor David Rodgers

I am so thankful for godly friends who have helped me grow.

Friends in college who challenged me to go on a short term mission trip to the Dominican Republic

Friends in the Dominican Republic who challenged me to repel down water falls, ride motorcycles on crazy roads and helped me see the importance of community and hospitality

Friends at ECS who helped me grow as a teacher and helped confirm my call to ministry.

Friends at seminary who helped me in SOOO many diferent ways.

Friends here in the auditorium

I am thankful for my family which includes

Krista’s family who prays for and helps us in so many ways.

My family.  My mom, my dad, my sister, my aunt who is like a second mom, my cousins who are like brothers and my uncle from California who surprised me tonight by showing up.

My immediate family.  My wife, Krista and children Joel, Josiah and Jadyn.

I am especially thankful for God’s grace in my life

Romans 5:8 says “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I am thankful that when I was twelve years old he showed me that I was a sinner in desperate need of Jesus.

I am also thankful for God’s grace in that he has brought Godly pastors into my life.

Growing Pastor Bob Singleton was such a big influence on me and my family.

While at seminary, Pastor David Culver was an amazing help and resource.

Now, I thankful to be part of the pastoral team of Emmanuel Baptist Church
Pastors Duke, Kerry, Dan, Andy, Paul, Pastor Snyder and Casey thank you.
And Pastor Shane, who has been a friend and an encouragement for so many years.

I am also thankful for Dr. Austin, who will be sharing later in the service.

Finally I am thankful for Pastor Philip DeCourcy, who during lunch at Shorty's told me "Either go to seminary or quit talking about it and continue ministering here."

All I Have Is Christ



The truth of this song is so overwhelming.
One of my favorite videos of this song is an animated story.
Click HERE for that video.

What is the role of a pastor?  Dr. Dann Austin