The A-Team

As a kid, I used to watch a television show titled "The A-Team". At the end of every episode, the ringleader of this motley group (Hannibal) would chime "I love it when a plan comes together!" I have quoted Hannibal often when things seem to work out just the way it was planned. Now, it seems, I can join Hannibal and the rest of the A-Team of the Hartford First United Methodist Church in proclaiming "I love it when a plan comes together!"

Several months ago, I was speaking at Covenant, Harvest and First UMC's. As I was heading toward the car, I was approached by Paul Ferrell. (I had know Paul for several years through my work with the conference youth ministry and some mutual friends.) "Do you need a youth minister?" he asked. Of course, he had no idea that the long range planning team of our church had already forecast the need for a paid youth minister. We had decided that we would need to hire a youth minister in approximately two years, but we would have to be volunteer run until that time. Tommy and Rebecca Waters were doing a wonderful job, but needed help. At least we had a plan.

"Well, like most churches, we do need someone." I replied. "Right now, we aren't in a position to pay anyone, but that is part of our long range plan." His answer still amazes me. "Well, I'm looking to retire in two years. I was hoping to find a church where I could build a program...and maybe...when I retire in a couple of years it will have grown to the point that I could be paid for a part-time job." My jaw must have scraped the ground.

What I heard was; "I'm motivated." "I would like to prove my worth to Hartford." "I have a plan." That was music to my ears. As I checked out Paul's history with Covenant and First UMC, I was quickly sold. We need to have Paul here at Hartford, I decided.

Now that the Staff Parrish Relations committee has met and the Administrative Board has seen Paul, I would like you to get to know Paul as our new youth minister, your newest colleague in ministry, our newest family member, and friend. Paul has joined our great church along with his wonderful wife Gayle. Paul is certified candidate for ministry, which in layman's terms means that he is qualified to serve as a local pastor. He has satisfied the District Board of Ordained Ministry's requirements to serve as a pastor. He comes with over 10 years of experience in youth ministry as a volunteer and staff in both Covenant and First UMC of Dothan. I know you will come to love him as I have.

As I reflect on how he came to be a part of our own A-Team, I realize that God has been moving. Because of our long range planning we had "eyes to see and ears to hear" what God was preparing. I sense God's calling in Paul's life and I feel that part of that calling is centered in the calling of the Harford First United Methodist Church. He will join the A-Team of HFUMC. He will add to our ability to be "a family of believers, welcoming everyone, spreading God's Word, and fulfilling spiritual needs." Won't you join me and Hannibal in saying, "I love it when a [God's] plan comes together!"