Rick Clark | Ruling Elder
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT ALL SOULS?
In early 2003, during a service at Intown Community Church, we heard a young, shaved-headed Shayne Wheeler announce his intent to plant a church in Decatur (which later became All Souls Fellowship). With no lunch plans that day and a heart for downtown Decatur, we decided to check it out. So we were part of the initial group of 40ish that met upstairs at Intown in 2003 before moving to Decatur Courthouse and ultimately our current location.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO SERVE AS AN ELDER? HOW DID YOU EXPERIENCE GOD CALLING YOU TO THIS OFFICE?
I never aspired to be an elder. Honestly, it had not crossed my mind when Shayne Wheeler (the founding pastor) approached me initially. However, after talking with him, praying about the role, and going through the training, I did sense that God was calling me to serve.
I love our church, believed in what God was doing through our congregation, and ultimately believed the Lord could use me to help further the kingdom, love and support our pastors and staff, and make godly decisions on behalf of our congregation.
WHAT OTHER WAYS HAVE YOU SERVED AT ALL SOULS?
I have made coffee, greeted, moved a lot of chairs, led small groups and men’s groups, and been a prayer leader during services. I have also served on a number of care groups for members who have been going through difficult times in their lives.
HOW HAS GOD USED ALL SOULS IN YOUR LIFE?
Amy and I have been members at All Souls most of our adult life. During that time we’ve gone through some extremely joyful and painful times. All Souls members, staff, and pastors have always supported us, loved us, come around us, and celebrated with us.
I have seen marriages saved, children lost, people find and fall in love with Jesus, and friendships both broken and formed. Essentially, All Souls has been what life should be- broken, imperfect, but always centered on and rooted in Christ.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING AND UNEXPECTED ABOUT YOURSELF.
I just published a book about college admission. I do have a co-author, but it is not Lori Loughlin.