December 2025 | 7
2025 Annual Celebration grateful that he recommended to Art Fulks that I step into his role as Worship Pastor. As our relationship continued, what I discovered was a rare, special example of character, integrity, and humility in ministry. He released the reins and trusted me. He supported me. He served with me. And occasionally, he gave feedback or drew attention to something I hadn’t considered. He was always helpful and humble, and he made my lead- ership better. This special type of relationship was only possible be- cause of his deep, grounded humility, faithfulness to the church, and unending love for Jesus. I continually saw him put his church before himself. De- spite the suffering and treatments of cancer, he contin - ued serving on the worship team for six years before re- tiring this year. What I would learn from other staff and members of the church was that he played a critical role in filling gaps and preserving the unity of the church.
When Art Fulks left for Georgia, it was God’s divine prov- idence that saw him as chairman of deacons, a critical transitional position in our church constitution. Looking back, these key moments of transition absolute- ly could have sunk our church with different leaders in his role. But today, by God’s grace, in no small part because of his leadership, we are enjoying healthy unity and slow but steady growth, which is reflected in our budget next year, which bumps CP giving from 8% to 10%, an in- crease of $20k. Despite his physical suffering, he continues to fill needs through guest preaching and worship leading. He con- tinues to serve as our church treasurer. However, a new tumor has appeared this year, and treatment continues apace…so I would ask that you remember him in your prayers as we honor my brother in the Lord today. Please join me in thanking, for his faithful service, Pastor Scott Gatian.”
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