Chatsworth and Forrest United Methodist Churches
Marion, Illinois 62959-5907
618-364-0221

• Education: Marion (Illinois) High School, 1966 A. B. Asbury Collge, 1970 MDiv. Asbury Theological Seminary, 1970
• Experience: I have served Churches in the former Southern Illinois Annual Conference and now the Illiois Great Rivers Annual Conference since June of 1973. It was my joy to serve for seven years as the chairperson of our Annual Conference’s Committee on Annual Conference Sessions whose ministry is to assist our Bishop in planning Annual conference each year. Liz and I love leading music as music directors in our local Emmaus Community, and I currently serve the Central Illinois Emmaus Community as the Ass
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: I always feel closest to Jesus during the time of preparing sermons. If these can benefit other brothers and sisters in the ministry and be used in other places in any way for the glory of God and the building of His Kingdom, you are welcome to use them in your own ministry and sermon preparation.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: While I was in College and Seminary at Asbury in Wilmore, Kentucky, the sermons of Dr. David Seamands, Pastor of the Wilmore, Kentucky, United Methodist Church, and of Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, President of Asbury College always touched my heart. I remember one sermon by Dr. Seamands in particular entitled "For Your Camels Also," based on the text from Genesis 24 that made a lasting impression. In February of 2004 at the Asbury Seminary Ministry Conference Dr. Dennis Kinlaw preached a message at the
• One of my favorite illustrations: “In CONSPIRACY OF KINDNESS, Steve Sjogren (pronounced “SHOW-GREN”) tells the true story of Joe Delaney and his eight-year-old son, Jared, who were playing catch in their backyard. “Jared asked, ‘Dad, is there a God?’ “Joe replied that he went to church only a few times when he was a kid; he really had no idea. “Jared ran into the house. ‘I’ll be right back!’ he yelled. “Moments later he returned with a helium balloon from the circus, a pen, and an index card. ‘I’m going to send God an airmai
• Family: I have been married to the former Eliazabeth Ann Bluff from Sparta, Illinois, since September 28, 1974. Liz is a 1968 graduate of Sparta, Illinois, High School, and a 1972 graduate of Greenville (Il.) College. We have two sons Justin Daniel, born on May 16, 1977, and Shane Anthony, born on January 4, 1982. Justin is the Father of our graddaughter Sheila Renee, born on November 7, 1996, and Shane is the Father of our grandson Tristin Michael, born on February 26, 2004.
• What my parents think of my sermons: My Dad went to be with Jesus in 1987 and my Mom in 1998. They were always so supportive of my preaching and my ministry. I thank God every day that they made it possible for me to attend a Christian College and Seminary at Asbury.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She is my biggest supporter and critic, but above that she is absolutely my "best friend" next to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: I have always appreciated the quote that comes, I believe, from Phillips Brooks, "Preaching is the communication of Truth through persoanlity." It is so awesome and encouraging to be assured that the Holy Spirit can somehow communicate the truth of Jesus through my personality.
• Books that have had an impact: John Wesley, A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION David A. Seamands, THE HEALING OF DAMAGED EMOTIONS Ed Robb, THE SPIRIT THAT WILL NOT BE TAMED Kenneth Kinghorn, SPIRITUAL GIFTS Haddon W. Robinson, BIBLICAL PREACHING
• Hobbies: Running and music. I began running in the summer of 1968 on the original Kenneth Cooper Aerobics program. Since September 18, 1978, I have logged a total distance of 28,660 miles. Running for me is a deeply spiritual experience and time for communion with the Lord as well as a good means for trying to keep physically fit. Our whole family loves music. I am a keyboardist and have enjoyed directing Church choirs throughout my ministry as well.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: "Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith."
• Something funny that happened while preaching: I was serving as pastor of the Beulah United Methodist Church in rural Sumner, Illinois, in the early 1980s. On a Sunday Morning in August it was the closing service of our Fall Revival. As our song evangelist had to leave after the Saturday evening service, I asked a family of young sisters "The Bennett Sisters" to provide a ministry of music just prior to our evngelist’s closing message. I had asked them to sing a song they had done on several other occasions entitle "I’m Standing on the So
• What I want on my tombstone: II Timothy 4:7

• Central Illinois Emmaus Community
• Asbury College
• Asbury Theological Seminary
• International Fellowship of Christians & Jews
• Alpha USA