Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our congregation. The Greater Houston church has proven herself faithful and God focused ever since it’s small beginning in 1993. Over the years many souls have been won to Christ, foreign mission churches have been supported by financial sacrifice and hundreds have moved from here to strengthen mission plantings throughout the United States. Also, our city has been served in many ways by acts of love for the poor and needy. Many brothers and sisters have been used by God to ground and establish this powerful fellowship. They have been both fulltime and non fulltime and we are grateful for each and every member.

Today we raise an Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12, a memorial of gratitude that says “thus far has the Lord helped us”) for all who have served full time in any capacity in our church. Evangelist, interns, administrators and the like, we pause to recognize and appreciate their service and to honor God that “He has helped us this far.” Though these men and women are but “jars of clay”, we appreciate all their efforts to point us to Christ. In December our elders and Core leadership group charted a direction which resulted in Julie and I being the only fulltime staff. Everyone has been praying to God for his Spirit to guide us in choosing a team which will help lead us into the future.

Today, with great joy, we put before the congregation the team which we believe God has assembled for this task:  

Barrett and Rachel O’Connell—Youth Ministry: The O”Connells will serve as fulltime interns focusing on building a strong High School outreach throughout the Houston area. They will work to empower the older teens to take on greater leadership and ownership of the ministry. The O’Connells are well known for their love of teens and we are thrilled that their current involvement will move to fulltime starting this summer!

David and Jody Peach—Campus Ministry: The Peachs come to us from College Station where they have been instrumental in leading the group of disciples there. They have also worked on the campus of A&M helping many students over the years. They will serve as interns helping to build and fortify the current campus ministry as well as initiating outreach on all the major campuses in the metro area. They bring both maturity and zeal and will bring both maturity and zeal and will bring many gifts to help serve and build up the church.

Peter and Caroline Sterling—Marrieds Ministry: It’s such a joy to reinstate the Sterlings to the fulltime role of Evangelist and Women’s ministry leader. They were converted and raised up here in Houston and Julie and I had the joy of adding them to our staff originally. The Sterlings are known and loved church- wide and will serve as Region Leaders for the West and Southwest areas of the church. Their love for people and focus on winning souls will be truly welcomed as well as their other gifts!

Toney Mulhollan—Singles Ministry: Our congregation is blessed to have a couple such as Toney and Denise Mulhollan. In December Toney expressed the desire to focus all his efforts on building up the singles ministry. Since then, God has moved powerfully to bring strengthening and revival to that group. Though Toney is self-supporting, he devotes fulltime efforts to the singles. Also, though Julie continues to lead the women, Denise serves in every way possible as well as being a new mom and beginng a new medical practice.

Today our Core leadership team is unanimous in this decision and we ask the congregation to totally unify behind our new fulltime staff. I want to thank our elders, core leadership team, the deacons and so many others who have stepped up during these last 5 months of transition. We’ve all grown closer to God and one another and learned much during this time which will continue to help us as we move forward. There are encouraging signs of health and growth everywhere. Julie and I want to thank these men and women for stepping out on faith to serve this great church and we look forward to the best and brightest days ahead.

To him be all honor and glory!, —Tim Huffman, Evangelist