Pastor Steve Greene of The Point church in Seymour passed the leadership baton to a new lead pastor on Sunday during a special service at the Seymour High School auditorium. From left are Heather Gibson, Jon Gibson, Greene and Laurie Greene.
Lori McDonald | The Tribune
Timothy Crump, district superintendent of the Southwest Indiana District, Church of the Nazarene, was at The Point’s church service at Seymour High School on Sunday to conduct the installation ceremony. Pictured from left are Heather Gibson, Jon Gibson, Laurie Greene, Steve Greene and Crump.
Lori McDonald | The Tribune
Pastor Steve Greene of The Point church in Seymour shares a laugh with new lead pastor Jon Gibson on Sunday during a special passing the baton service at the Seymour High School auditorium. Pictured from left are Jon Gibson, Greene and Laurie Greene.
Lori McDonald | The Tribune
A new chapter is beginning at The Point in Seymour, as Pastor Steve Greene passed the leadership baton to a new lead pastor during a special service Sunday in the auditorium at Seymour High School.
During the service, Greene said since last March, he and the congregation had been referring to the transition service as the passing of the baton service. The meaning of that metaphor was fairly obvious, as he would be handing off the leadership from himself to the new pastor, Jon Gibson, who has become a dear friend.
“When it comes to a relay race, success or failure often depends on how well you pass the baton,” Greene said. “That’s true in track and field competitions, and that’s true in the leadership transition we’re experiencing today, and I believe the same principles apply in the living out of our personal faith.”
Greene said it doesn’t matter how large their church attendance is, how good the worship might be or how good the sermons are. If the baton is not effectively passed to the next generation, all will be lost.
“Believe it or not, the leadership baton has been passed between 32 pastors up to this point, and today, I have the privilege of handing it to the 33rd, Jon Gibson,” Greene said. “Our mission as a church and as individual followers of Jesus Christ is to make sure the next generation hears about the faithfulness of God and salvation through Jesus Christ.”
Timothy Crump, district superintendent of the Southwest Indiana District, Church of the Nazarene, was at the service Sunday to conduct the installation ceremony and to present Greene with a bronze sculpture referred to as The Calling. The work of art portrays Christ calling Peter to leave his fishing nets and follow him.
Gibson gave a sermon after the installation and spoke around the message that when Jesus is around, there are never endings, only new beginnings.
A Facebook post by Greene on Saturday stated he wanted to express his deep love and appreciation for the congregation he has served for almost 21 years.
“The Point is not a perfect church because it is made up of imperfect people like you and me; however, this community of Christ followers is united in their love for God and people,” Greene wrote. “They want to learn and grow in their relationship with God. They are committed to pointing people to Jesus.”
He continued the post by writing how The Point is a church that is united, healthy and growing.
“I have incredible joy and gratitude in my heart as I reflect on the opportunity God has given me to serve this wonderful congregation. I am thrilled about the possibilities for the future as Jon Gibson steps in to begin his leadership journey,” Greene wrote. “In a little more than 24 hours, the transition will be complete and my role as pastor will be done. I will enter a period of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal as I look to the Lord to guide me into the future he desires.”
He said even though he doesn’t know what the future holds, he has great peace knowing who holds the future.