About Kevin: Kevin would describe himself as an introvert, who still shares his thoughts and leads when needed. Since high school, he knew that God wanted him to be a physical therapist. He enjoys his work as a physical therapist, which he has been for 14 years now, and enjoys seeing more and more opportunities to share his joy of Christ with patience and share with a coworker. Kevin met Melissa when they were attending Carson Newman College. They have been married for 15 years this May. They have one daughter, Jadyn, who is 6. On January 8 of this year, she accepted Christ into her heart. Kevin and Melissa have seen changes in her already as a result of her salvation! Melissa works as an office manager for Harold and Bette Gillogly, which allows them to send Jadyn to Ezell Harding, where she is a first grader. As a family, they enjoy just being together, but they also spend time together playing board games, card games, working puzzles, and playing soccer in their front yard. They also enjoy daily time together in the Bible, in addition to worshiping through song once or twice a week.
Kevin's hobbies include soccer and making Star Wars costumes and prop replicas. The latter allows him to be involved with two organizations that do charity events and help with fundraising for organizations, such as Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and Make a Wish. Unfortunately, he hasn't had much time to spend on this over the last year.
What he enjoys about leading a life group: "My
greatest joy in leading our life group is the fellowship with one
another. I also enjoy trying to create an atmosphere in which everyone
feels welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions. I am
a small part of a wonderful group and look forward to seeing each of us
grow with a more clear understanding of Christ and His purpose in each
of our lives."
Encouragement for other life group leaders: "I
am not sure I have a lot of deep thoughts to help people be better
leaders. But, what I can offer is what I have experienced, grace. I use
to get really uptight about preparing for each week and pulling out
deep thought provoking questions about what we were studying. I would
then try to make sure we got through the agenda. Now, I still prepare
and have a plan for what we are going to do each week; but, instead of
focusing on what I have prepared I try to lead discussion and be
attentive to the Spirit to lead in a different direction if He desires.
Sometimes, I do well and sometimes not as well, but His grace is
sufficient for me (as it is not about my performance) and the group
(who continue to move forward with God and one another)."
Favorite Bible verses: "I
have several that I really like, and some are: Micah 6:6-8, Ps. 46:10,
and Matt. 22: 36-40. What I like about these verses is the simplicity.
God's ways are not our ways and the way is narrow; but, if we are truly
seeking Him and want to see, He has made it simple!"
How they have integrated well after the Hope/Lighthouse merger: "I
do not think this is product of us, but of God. We had a good and
caring group of people before we came together. Then during the first
few months we had many "Lighthouse" members ask about our group. I
believe they were all warmly welcomed as well as were eager to welcome
us "Hope" members into the full body. We even gained more into our
group as a result of a work day and reaching out to a family in a time
of need and God drawing them to be more involved in a group. So in
short, the success of our group has been due to the grace and purpose
of God as well as the graciousness of each and every individual in our
group to want to love one another. We are just now starting to know one
another a little more deeply with relationships that go beyond just
being in small group with each other."
As you know, we recently began a new sermon series, called "Grow", focusing on many of our core values here at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. We have developed a study guide for life group leaders to help lead discussion in your meetings. Please be sure to use this each week in your meeting. If you don't have a study guide, let us know and we'll get one to you as soon as possible!
This spring we will be having our first annual 'To the City' Conference! It will take place on March 5 - 7, 2010. During this conference, we'll be casting vision for reaching and redeeming the city of Antioch for Jesus. 