Josh Murillo
Ministerial Director
Our hearts are filled with gratitude and deep appreciation as we gather together to recognize God's bountiful blessings and His diligent care for His people here in Gulf States Conference, especially during COVID-19 and other challenges.
Pastors, church leaders, and our members in general deserve thanks for standing steadfast during these trying times. Your devotion to God and His Church is evident. God’s work in Gulf States Conference has not only weathered the storm but flourished in the midst of it!
Apostle Paul’s words are fitting: “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you… since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints,” Colossians 1:3, 4.
It is impossible for me to ignore the inspiring leadership of my predecessor Pastor Cary Fry, who mentored our pastoral team for years. I consider it an honor to carry on Pastor Fry's work. Also, a special word of sincere appreciation to Kelsey Abbott, my Administrative Assistant for her commitment, efficiency, and hard work.
As Seventh-day Adventists, our focus is to share the Third Angel’s Message throughout our territory and beyond. Consequently, the goal of the Ministerial and Pastoral Development Department is to provide friendship, accountability, mentoring, counseling, and evangelistic tools to help pastors grow professionally and personally.
I strive to develop our pastoral team in four key areas in leadership: Calling, Faithfulness, Excellence, and Fearlessness.
Pastors are not perfect, but each one must know his strengths and weaknesses, keeping in mind Who called us, and why we were called to minister. As we remain faithful, constantly pursuing balance and excellence in all areas in life we must serve our Lord with committed passion, trusting that “The One who calls is faithful, and He will do it.”
We want to see our pastors, leaders, and members thrive and authenticate their faith with action. We are committed to assisting pastors and local church leaders in identifying opportunities to impact others for Christ. We are convicted that as we serve and impact the quality of life of those around us, the Lord will continue pouring out a blessing far greater that anything we could ever dare think or ask!
Our leadership team at the Conference understands pastoral placement is crucial and we aim to bring the best of the best to our team. I believe churches thrive when their weaknesses are matched with a pastor's strengths and vice versa, so our decisions always take into consideration what is the best match between church and pastor. By interacting with church leadership, interviewing potential candidates, looking at references, and more, we aim to give each church the pastor they need.
When we hire new ministers, we also provide avenues of growth for them through pastor's meetings, the “New In Ministry Program,” special events, and seminars, as well as preparing them for ordination when the time comes.
As we select, support, mentor, and train our pastors, I’m convinced that Ellen White’s words in the book Ministry of Healing apply to all levels of leadership and are essential for every Christian,
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”
One of my favorite aspects of the organizational culture in Gulf States is the fact that the Conference administration gets to visit all pastors on a quarterly basis. We all benefit greatly from the ability to enjoy fellowship with pastors and their families, keeping an open dialogue about our goals, opportunities and challenges.
During these visits, we remain informed about how each pastor's Strategic Plan is being implemented. To elaborate on that, in order to promote growth and the health of the churches in our conference, my department requires every pastor to submit a plan, that God-given they are working on. Assisting pastors and churches with the implementation of these intentional plans is our team's commitment.
Keeping open communication lines with church leadership is essential in order to do this. We are here to assist the local church in becoming more vibrant as well. In a 360-degree feedback process, we strive to assist the pastor, the church, and the conference in becoming the best they can be!
Please know our Ministerial team is in a supportive and listening posture.
Accept my thanks for your prayers. They are never taken for granted. They are our lifeline to heaven!