Four pastors in the Charis Fellowship were recognized on Monday with an Inspire Charis Pastors Network honor coin. Each was featured in a video update sent Monday by Mark Lingenfelter, president of Inspire, in lieu of their annual face-to-face meeting.
David Knight, pastor of care and connections at Grace Church, Osceola, Ind. (Greg Serafino, senior pastor), was honored for being a faithful servant. Knight has been in full-time Christian ministry since 1972, with the last 31 years in Charis Fellowship churches. Pastor Greg Serafino made the presentation.
Bartley Sawatsky and Mitch Van Rassel were recognized for being faithful equippers for their role in developing Great Commission Bible Institute North, which just finished its first year with 11 students. Modeled after the Great Commission Bible Institute in Sebring, Fla., the year-long program is meeting a need for formalized training in Charis Fellowship churches in Canada. Both Sawatsky and Van Rassel are on staff at Renew Church, Mississauga, Ontario, where Sawatsky is the lead pastor. The coins were presented by Nathan Bryant.
Charles H. Winter, seniors pastor at Grace Brethren Church, Sunnyside, Wash. (Nathan Zakahi, pastor), was recognized as a faithful encourager. He has served 45 years in pastoral ministry, including leading the Grace Brethren Church at Harrah, Wash., and is known for his faithfulness in ministry. Greg Howell made the presentation.
Click on the video below to watch the complete update.