Associate Pastor

George B. Antonakos

The "Semi-Annual" Report
of the Associate Pastor

On July 1, 2005, I returned to Central (again) to assume my new role as Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping. As I have said before, I am so grateful to Pastor John Schmidt for allowing the possibility of our ministry reunion. It has been a joy to work together and I have learned a great deal from him already. In late July, we attended a Natural Church Development conference in Chicago and ever since I have spent a good deal of time gathering a highly enthusiastic team to implement this approach. We believe this work will have a major impact for ministry in 2006 as we learn more accurately how to leverage our strengths and better develop our "growth areas" as a congregation. In the strengths column, it has been fun to watch Richard Ames-Ledbetter assume the leadership role of the Small Groups Ministry Team. Some updated research revealed that over 400 of us are involved in some type of meaningful small group experience! This team is working hard to encourage new groups and to make it easier for those who desire it to find a place in a new or existing small group.

In addition to sharing preaching duties in the second half of 2005, it was a great joy to speak at our September Men's retreat. I was able to deepen relationships with both old and new friends as we focused on the topic of "The Father Mystery." Under the Adult Christian Education banner, I have been highly encouraged by the leadership that Gordon Bonham and Tom Cox have provided in keeping our Sunday morning electives varied and interesting and for gifted instructors Charles Bailey, Marty Hansell and Kendall Borthwick. It was in this context that Jon Tilburt and I were able to rekindle the LIFE Journaling discipline. And, in another form of Christian Education, it has been a pleasure to team teach the Tuesday Evening Men's Bible Study Class, (now in its twenty-ninth consecutive year!) with Bart Houseman and Dwight Schwartz.

General ministry duties involved working with others in three major hiring processes. I am very glad to have played a small part in the decisions to bring Anne Nielsen, Jim McClure and Matt Acton on board. What great additions to the team! I have the pleasure of supervising Anne Nielsen, Matt Acton and Andy Gathman as the four of us provide ministry oversight to the entire age spectrum here at Central. And, with a mixture of hope and sorrow, I participated in services marking the home-goings of five dear saints among us: Pat Alexander (July 2), Larry Freeney (July 16), Mildred Wolfe (September 3), Ray Sipe (October 9) and Margot Michael (December 5). In each of these times, our selfless Deacons provided invaluable ministry to grieving families that needed support in their times of loss.

Some specific goals for 2006 involve creating a strong Assimilation Team in order to do a better job of welcoming and following up our Sunday morning guests. There also needs to be a "reincarnation" of sorts for both the Ministry Empowerment Team and the Equipping Team in order to help "mid-wife" the new ministry visions that God's Spirit places in our hearts. My prayer is that these teams will come to life so that we can better guide the steps of those on the discipleship journey. What a beautiful moment to be part of a vibrant ministry team at Central. New chapters of service are waiting to be written, so let's claim God's great promises together as we co-labor for the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be the praise and honor forever and ever.

With fond affection,
Pastor George