Second Baptist Church of Hamlet recently employed Drew Stables as full-time Pastor of Family Ministries.
Stables and his wife Kristen have four children: Aaron, Cuyler, Allie and Jeanna.
The family moved to Richmond County from Greenville, South Carolina, where Stables was serving as Minister of Students at Berea Baptist Church.
Stables grew up in Charlotte, and graduated from Mars Hill College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministries. He also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest. He has served in churches across South Carolina since graduation.
Stables said, “Our family has been here only a few weeks at this point, but it’s easy to see this is where the Lord is and has been working; we couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to be a part of it all. God has some great things in store for Second Baptist and for the people of SBC. We are excited looking ahead at all He has prepared for the days ahead. We’ve enjoyed these few weeks getting settled in as everyone has welcomed us with open arms. Though it’s been a time of transition for us all, now is the time to be looking forward to what is ahead and focusing on what’s next.”
Choir member Clara Strickland said Stables arrived in October, and the church welcomed them by holding a traditional pounding. Strickland explained the “pounding” as church members bring goods for their pantry.
“I heard they got a large amount,” said Strickland.
Strickland said Stables and his family are settling in quickly.
“I really like him,” said Strickland. “He seems very into what’s going on here. He’s very focused, very casual. It helps him relate to teenagers in our youth group.”
Strickland said she was impressed that Stables had taken time to outline his goals and dreams for 2013 and that he communicates with parents and church members and “tries to see what we want,” said Strickland.
“I think he’s open to new ideas,” said Strickland. “He really listens.”
Strickland said Pastor Chris Hawks is collaborating with Stables, forming a good working relationship which isn’t always guaranteed between pastors at a church. Stables’ wife has stepped up as well.
“Our music leader had a stroke recently,” said Strickland. “She has always been in charge around Christmas. Stables’ wife Kristen stepped up and said she would do the Christmas program. It turned out fine.”
Strickland said she has watched trends among youth in the church, and said she has seen an upswing in youth attending Sunday services. She said this speaks to the impact the Stables are having on the church community.
“I felt like this is where they are supposed to be,” said Strickland. “I hope they are with us a long time.”
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
