On this 10th Sunday after Pentecost, July 28th, 2024, we celebrate Steve and Nancy Cothran, honoring their 35 years of ministry, including 6.5 years with us. We are joined by special guests Dr. Russ Dean and Rev. Kyle Matthews, college roommates of Steve, who lead us in worship.

Music in the service is by Kyle Matthews. In addition to being Steve's college roommate, he is a song writer and the Minister of Pastoral Care at First Baptist Church Greenville, SC.

Russ Dean, co-pastor of Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, shares a heartfelt message, reflecting on his long friendship with Steve and their shared experiences, including a memorable bet about marriage and a legal document that turned into a lifelong tradition. He also recounts his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, emphasizing that the journey itself is the destination, a metaphor for faith and life.

Russ highlights Steve and Nancy's dedication to youth ministry, describing their 35 years of service as a continuous journey of walking with God and guiding young people. Testimonials from former youth members praised Steve's unwavering presence and support, illustrating the profound impact he has had on their lives.

In closing, Russ reminds us that ministry and faith are ongoing journeys, encouraging Steve and Nancy to continue their walk with God. He concluds with a simple yet powerful message: "Keep walking."

We hope this time of worship leaves you encouraged and emboldened to be faithful representatives of our church and our Lord Jesus Christ. Let's keep walking together.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and Introduction

(02:07) Call to Worship

(03:09) We Have a Shepherd

(07:25) Walkin’ and a Walkin’ and a Walk-in’ and a Walk-in’

(27:13) Final Reflections

(27:38) A Blessing Like a Tree

Bios
Dr. Russ Dean is co-pastor at Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where he serves alongside his wife, Amy Jacks Dean. Russ earned his doctorate from Beeson Divinity School and served churches in Alabama and South Carolina before moving to Park Road Baptist in the summer of 2000. Russ is also a published author. His most recent book is “The Power of the God Who Can’t.”

Rev. Kyle Matthews serves as Minister of Pastoral Care at the First Baptist Church of Greenville, SC, and is an accomplished singer/songwriter. His music has featured on multi-platinum selling albums and has earned numerous music awards including the Dove Award for Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and ASCAP’s 2002 Christian Song of the Year. Central was honored to host Kyle as our guest composer for Composer Weekend in 2018.

Central is proud to be a place

• where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
• where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
• where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
• and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

You can support our ministry by sending a gift via onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give

Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.