Pastor Blogs - Walkers Called to Ministry in Northern Kentucky

A few weeks ago as Brent Walker was preaching through a Mission Series, he mentioned that Wellington was "a sending church" and some within our fellowship will be 'sent out' to use what they have learned about the Bible and ministry to further the cause of Christ. Well Brent and Sara Walker are ready "to be sent out" for that very purpose.

They came to Wellington four years ago after graduating from Middle Tennessee State. Brent had enrolled at Southern Seminary and was working at an O'Charley's. One of our goals at Wellington was to give him the experience necessary to use his educational training wisely within ministry. Many of you have commented on how far he has progressed. Well, not only did you take notice but so have others. A couple of churches contacted him at the beginning of summer and told him that his preaching had more biblical and historical substance than any sermons they had heard. After preaching a trial sermon at Highland Avenue Baptist in Fort Thomas, Kentucky August 16, Brent received a 98% vote of approval (last Sunday, August 23) from the congregation, supporting the church's leadership to call Brent and Sara to lead them in ministry.

The Highland Avenue Church would like for them to begin Sunday, September 13 and the Walkers would like to spend time with their family in Tennessee before moving to Fort Thomas, so this Sunday, August 30 the Wellington family will have a reception for them following the morning worship service.

One of Brent's greatest assets for ministry and for life is his sweet wife Sara. She has been a precious addition to our worship teams and various other ministries. So one of the gifts we will be giving in parting will be a large framed picture with enough room on the mat for all the families of Wellington to sign it. This framed picture will be in the foyer Sunday morning and we ask that everyone sign it either before or after services. PLEASE write small enough to allow room for everyone to sign. No large John Hancock's :-)

We realize this seems like a rather sudden departure for many within the church who were not aware of the interest other churches had in Brent, but it has been a summer long process. The Wellington leadership didn't want to get "the cart before the horse" because Brent and Sara were not looking to leave the Wellington fellowship as much as they were wanting to be open to the Lord's calling for ministry. We trust that each of you will be understanding and encouraging, doing all you can to be present this Sunday to let the Walker's know of your love and support.

The Wellington Eldership

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Dear Wellington Church Family,

It is with great excitement and bitter sweetness that we share with you our next steps in ministry. We came to Wellington shortly after we were first married and one of our greatest challenges was to move away from our own families in Tennessee. However, this church quickly demonstrated the love of Christ and hospitality to us. You stole our hearts immediately and have made it extremely easy for us to serve here and call Wellington our home. As we have discussed our future in northern Kentucky, we are comforted to know that we are “just down the road” and are excited to think of the possibilities of a church partnership as we both seek to further God and His Kingdom in ministry. Wellington has trained and equipped us to know how to be faithful ministers of the gospel, and we are so grateful for all that we have learned here. We have been greatly blessed by our time here and will miss each of you.

With much love,

Brent and Sara