Paul Dietz

The Potter's House Christian Fellowship
Ridgeley, West Virginia 26753
3016971936

• Education: ACTS Program: 3 years College: Richland Community College (Decatur, IL) - 2 years Meet denominational requirements for continued ordination through various seminars, workshops and intensive courses through Bethany Theological Seminary - Richmond, IN.
• Experience: 32 years of pastoral ministry (Bi-Vocational and Full Time) Have served in WV, PA and IL
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: I pray before every sermon preparation time. Even though I do plan well into the future about sermon themes or series, I still want to be open to god’s leading of the Holy Spirit as to what to say and exactly what scriptures to emphasize. It seems extraordinary how God often works. Even though I do pre=planning, many times the sermon theme fits just right into place with current events either in the news or something happening in the life of a congregant.
• One of my favorite illustrations: A minister had the itch to go golfing one Sunday so He called off one of the Deacons of the church rather late the night before. So the preacher got up real early the next morning as not to run into any of his parishoners on their way to church. He also, had planned to golf at a course some twenty-five miles away. He arrived at the golf course in time for a quick breakfast in the club-house and then out to the first exactly at his tee-time. He proceeded to play the first few holes and could s
• Family: Wife of 32 years: Debora (Debi) Son: Joshua, married (Dotti) with two sons (Dakota and Kaden) Daughter: Kristin, married with one adopted daughter (Danelle -[Dani])
• What my parents think of my sermons: My dad was a minister, too. He is now deceased but is still an encouragment to me. His example before me is a teaching tool that I will always have with me. My mom, also deceased, had always told me, "You preach just like your dad." That is what I have been told many times by those that had the previledge of hearing my father preach and then hearing me speak as well. What a compliment! Why? Because as far as I was concerned my father was the best preacher I had ever heard.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She is first of all very complimentary of my presentation format. She also is my best critic. It has always been a puzzlement to her when on a given Sunday I seem to "bomb" to her liking and then a bunch of people come out of the service and while shaking hands tell me that that morning’s sermoon was one of the best or the best sermon they have ever heard from me. And then, on another Sunday she believes that morning’s sermon really hit hoime with the congregation and not a soul says a word on t
• Best advice given to me about preaching: By my father (minister for over 40 years): "Always preach to yourself as well as the people."
• Books that have had an impact: The Purpose Drive Church, The Purpose Driven Life, the Passionate Church, A Passionate Life, Worship Evangelism, Called to Be God’s Leader, and works by Peter L. Steinke
• Hobbies: NASCAR Racing, Golf, computer technology
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: There is no better life than that of a Christian. God is always there for you and He will always be there even in the midst of life’s storms. He wants everyone to become His followers and to do His perfect will.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: I had a three year old to respond to a question in the middle of my sermon. I had said, "And do you know what the Apsotle Paul says about that?" He immediately responded, "No, Pastor Paul, what did the Apsotle Paul say?" Another: While preaching in IL the church I served had its baptistry in the floor of the platform. It had a lid on it during most of the services except when we were havign a baptism. At that time I was know to wander the pulpit area. As I was preaching, I began to back up an