Life Worth Celebrating Truth
Ok, so yesterday I went to the funeral for Dr. Douglas Gibson. Douglas was the Pastor Emeritus at FUMC Lawrenceville. He was 97 when he died. While on staff at FUMC, I got to meet and get to know Douglas. He was licensed as a Methodist Minister in 1929. For perspective, it was still the Methodist Episcopal Church, South when he started. He served during two mergers in the church. He served FUMC from 1964-1971. While at the church, he moved them from a land-locked downtown location to a larger lot away that allowed for tremendous growth.
The thing that I love about Douglas is that he had a vision for the Church. I use a big C because no matter where he was serving, he sought a vision from God and moved the church towards it. I am thankful for his vision in Lawrenceville. The Church of The Way probably wouldn't be reaching lost people if not for Douglas moving the church. I probably wouldn't have been appointed to FUMC, discovered a vision for Suwanee, and started Connection Church if not for Douglas.
The truth is, he kept passion and vision at the center of his ministry. Thus, he made an impact. As a result, it was easy to celebrate his life yesterday. I pray that I can be as faithful in ministry for as long as Douglas was. I pray that when I die, and my life is remembered, it is a life worth celebrating. Do you?






