10/11/2025
A Tribute to Our Pastors
_In honor of Pastor Appreciation Month/Day and Clergy Appreciation Month/Day; the Month of October is set aside to honor those with the call of God and entrusted with His Word to enrich the lives of countless people. The second Sunday of October is Pastors Appreciation Day!
Today we pause to give thanks for four faithful shepherds whose lives preach as powerfully as their words: Pastor Luther Bonds, Jr., Pastor Frank Jenkins III, Pastor Cardell Jenkins, and Pastor Willie Earl Starks. Each has answered God’s call with courage, compassion, and consistency. We honor the miles they’ve walked, the tears they’ve prayed, the sermons they’ve poured out, and the countless unseen acts of service that have strengthened our church and community.
Steadfast and wise, you model what it means to “watch for souls” with a gentle strength (Hebrews 13:17). Thank you for your patience in teaching, your calm in crisis, and the way you make room at the table for every person. Your devotion reminds us that faithfulness over time is one of God’s greatest gifts.
A builder of people and vision, you help us see what God can do when we trust Him fully (Ephesians 3:20). Thank you for leading with creativity, for investing in families, and for calling us to excellence with a servant’s heart. Your leadership turns obstacles into open doors.
A shepherd after God’s own heart, you carry both the Word and the wounds of God’s people with tenderness (Jeremiah 3:15). Thank you for preaching with clarity, counseling with compassion, and praying with power. Your life teaches us to love Jesus deeply and to love one another well.
Courageous and compassionate, you stand firm on the truth while reaching with grace (1 Corinthians 15:58). Thank you for showing up—at the hospital bed, the graduation, the funeral, and the altar. Your ministry proves that steadfast presence can heal what words alone cannot..
Faithful Servants of the Lord
In honor of Pastors Luther Bonds, Jr., Frank Jenkins III, Cardell Jenkins, and Willie Earl Starks
They stand where few dare stand,
With Bible in hand and fire in heart—
Messengers of mercy, bearers of light,
Guided by God from morning till night.
They pray when others sleep,
They sow where others reap,
They speak God’s Word with holy flame,
And lift up high the Savior’s name.
Through laughter, loss, and tears unspoken,
Their faith remains unbent, unbroken.
They’ve walked with us through every storm,
Keeping the flock safe, loved, and warm.
Pastor Bonds, steady and strong,
Your wisdom keeps our hearts in song.
Pastor Jenkins III, you help us see,
The power of faith and unity.
Pastor Cardell Jenkins, full of grace,
God’s love shines bright upon your face.
Pastor Starks, bold, yet kind and true,
God’s steadfast hand is seen in you.
Four shepherds—each with heaven’s call,
Each giving their best, their life, their all.
Your work, though sometimes hard and long,
Has built our faith, made weak hearts strong.
So today we rise to say,
“Thank you, pastors,” in every way.
May God restore what you have given,
And bless your steps until heaven.
