Several events made the installation of our new youth pastor/contemporary worship leader memorable. Participating in the service were: Church council member Myrna Soendker presenting a short bio of our new pastor, Church Council and Search Committee member
MacKenzie Todd reviewed the search process that led to hiring Benjamin, Church Council President Richard Abdoler formally extended St. Luke’s call to ministry, Spiritual Coordination Council Chairman Chuck Shroyer prayed to give thanks to God for providing this young man as an answer to our many prayers, Pastor Brian Hardee gave the charge to the pastor, Pastor Christopher gave the charge to the congregation, the elders and deaconesses, church council president and the pastors present laid hands and prayed over Benjamin and Sarah, and songs were led by Carol Hough and Jim Potter.
The father-son connection made the installation service especially moving. Pastor Brian of Rock Creek Bible Church in Meriden, KS, gave the charge to 
the pastor. The love and legacy passed on from father to son made the words much more meaningful.
Pastor Brian then surprised his son and the congregation when he asked the folks from Rock Creek Bible Church to stand. After explaining that these people had watched Benjamin grow up, he asked if these folks would commend Benjamin to our church to serve us as pastor. They responded with a hearty, “Yes!”
Also memorable were the comments of our church council president. Richard added joy and humor to the occasion through his recognition of the many things Benjamin has in common with our church – his small town roots, love of the outdoors, etc.
Pastor Christopher reminded the congregation that this position of youth pastor was a “new animal” for us at St. Luke EFC. In his charge, he encouraged us as a church to support Benja
min and Sarah in prayer, to be ready for creative and exciting ministry among our youth that might be very different from what we are used to, and exhorted the church to view the new pastor’s family (down the road and as God blesses) as normal people. Each family member should be viewed as all other believers are and not burdened with unreasonable expectations.
Nearly 40 out of town guests joined us for this special time, including Pastor John Jones from our sister Free Church (Faith in Christ Fellowship in Oak Grove), and Micah Gelatt (a staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ and Benjamin’s former youth pastor), Benjamin’s and Sarah’s family and many friends from Rock Creek Bible Church. It was very impressive to see the respect and support shown toward our new youth pastor.
Installation Service for Pastor Benjamin Hardee
Hardee Installation Service Audio
