Jeanne and I have been at Fellowship Bible Church for 26 years and we’re moving to a new ministry.  Fellowship has become a family to us and it’s hard saying good-by to family members.  We have developed deep and lasting friendships with many fond memories of our church family.  A church is not a building but it’s the people who comprise the body of Christ.  There are so many people I could thank but I want to give a special acknowledgement to the elders of Fellowship Bible Church.  We have prayed, ministered, and shared joys and sorrows over the years.

Jack and Lael – we are so thankful the Lord has brought you to minister at Fellowship.  Thank you for your encouragement to me. Lael I’m going to miss our partnership in offering seminars.  You have brought healing and encouragement to the body and I will be praying for you and your ministry.

Chip and Tana – it’s great to see what God is doing in your life!  I remember meeting you as CIU students eager to serve God and now you are experienced missions leaders and evangelists.  You will always have a place within my heart.  As my fellow disciples I pray Acts 20:32 for your life and ministry.

Howard and Laura – thank you for your encouragement, advice, wisdom, and friendship over the years.  I’ve enjoyed our journey together:  CIU, Black Mountain, home-schooling, Cold Water Creek, and serving together at Fellowship.  We have been blessed by your friendship and technically I believe we’re related through the complex web of marriages at Fellowship.

Brion and Diane – y’all are pillars of the church!  Brion I consider it a privilege to have ministered with you over the years and it was a joy to share the pulpit with you!  You have been a friend that is closer than a brother and I will always remember with fondness our ministry together.  Diane I’m going to miss your hugs, y’all stay in touch – love ya!

John and Carolyn – thank you for your support and encouragement in so many ways!  I did not have a father growing up and although you are not that much older than me John, you have been a spiritual father to me.  I will always appreciate you and the wisdom you have given to me – words are inadequate to express my gratitude to you.  Carolyn thank you for your prayers and please don’t stop praying for us!

Dick and Sally – to my favorite curmudgeon:)  Dick, you are a blessing to so many and behind that gruff coach is a man who deeply loves his God and God’s people – thank you for being you!  By the way Dick, you are great with words!  Sally, it was a blessing for me to work with you all of those years at CIU – we had some wonderful times together.  I’m going to greatly miss both of you!

Mitch and Connie – it’s great to see your heart for ministry, you’re an encouragement to me.  Thank you for your faithfulness and perseverance, especially as the church hit a speed bump a few years ago.  You’re doing a great job and I pray His blessings upon you, your family, and your ministry!

Don and Cherilyn – we’re thankful to have you back and for your great ideas for ministry.  It’s evident that God has His hand upon you and that He is using you in so many ways to advance the kingdom of God.  I’m thankful that we at Fellowship are recipients of your passion and wisdom.

Stan and Joy – thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders!  You have been a true Barnabas to me in so many ways and I am going to  miss your encouragement.  Stan, please do not ever lose your tender heart toward God – you are an example of a sensitivity toward God that all of us need.  Joy, you are the quintessential Southern lady and we have been recipients of your grace.

Although I was going to limit this to the elders (there are so many deep friendships we have at Fellowship) I would be remiss if I did not mention our small group leaders – Al and Linda.  Thank you for your leadership over the years, We have been blessed by your warmth, your friendship, and your leadership.  You have been a great blessing to us and we will greatly miss you!  Let’s go cruising together:)

I feel like the Apostle Paul in Romans 16 as he listed his faithful partners in ministry so it is fitting that I close with his benediction for my faithful brothers and sisters at Fellowship,

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.  Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.  (Romans 16:24-27).

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5