By Lenore Bechtel A touching ceremony Sunday, April 27, at Lake Eufaula Christian Church ordained Bo Banfield as the new— and the church’s first ever—associate pastor.
Banfield grew up in this church but left for a few years when his immediate family moved to a different Oklahoma city.
“God had a plan to return him to Eufaula to help his childhood church grow and build for the future,” said Jeremy Little, LECC minister.
Since back in Eufaula, Banfield has enlarged the youth program so much that the youth present an entire Sunday night service once a month and have many ministries throughout the area.
“Finding his bride in Eufaula of all places was all masterminded by the Lord.,” Little continued. ‘“Cassidy is a great helpmate to him, and they will continue to help win souls for the kingdom of Christ.” Bo and Cassidy Banfield stood together before the Elders, Deacon, and Trustees for the ordination ceremony.
Elder Stacey Helms said Banfield had been “approved by the governing elders, deacons, and trustees” and the church membership voted unanimously for his approval.
Helms quoted 1 Peter 5:2-4: “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.”
Telling Banfield “This is the Biblical model of ministry that you have been called to,” Deacon Ed Rodebush quoted 2 Timothy 4:1-2: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, I give you this charge: 1} Preach the word; 2) be prepared in season and out of season; 3) correct, 4) rebuke, and 5) encourage— but do this with great patience and careful instruction.”
Deacon Don Johnson told Banfield, “When Jesus was teaching the last week of His earthly life, He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you, must be your servant. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 20:26).
Trustee Bill Chaffin told Banfield, “As a trustee of the church, we are called to wisely steward the congregation’s resources. Just as you have been leading our youth into serving a bigger role in our church and in their faith, your new role as an Associate Pastor to Jeremy will be to compassionately lead others to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting community.”
Trustee and Banfield’s grandmother, Beth Little told him, “Proverbs 17:6 is perfect because it says, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged.” As my grandchild, you are part of my crowning glory from God!” She explained that a trustee helps manage the financial, administrative, and physical aspects of the church and said Banfield “will also help make sure that our Christian mission and values are upheld in this community.”
Bo and Cassidy then answered a series of questions from Pastor Little, clearly proclaiming their intentions and answering “We will with God’s help” to the final question, “Will you keep before you, as the objective of your lifestyle, the advancement of God’s kingdom?”
The congregation stood and answered “We will” to questions in support of their newly ordained associate pastor and wife.
After a brief sermon by Pastor Little, several baptisms concluded the service.
