A word from Leonard Prater, Associate Pastor of Adults…

In the summer of 1997, I felt God’s call on my life for full time ministry work. It has been a great joy to witness God’s faithfulness time and time again as I attempted to take one step of obedience after another. Those steps of faith led me to my wife, 3 beautiful children, 4 wonderful churches, and an appreciation for God’s perfect timing. I am reminded of one of my life verses, Proverbs 3:5-6 that says, “Trust in the Lord with all your hear and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.”

I am so thankful that in February of 2017, through an incredible series of events that led two churches to merge together as one, I became a part of the history and legacy of Champion Forest Baptist Church. I am amazed at the goodness of my Lord to give me this opportunity to serve at Champion Forest.

And to add blessing upon blessing, recently I was given the privilege to champion the cause of marriage and family enrichment at the Champions Campus. This new responsibility includes oversight of two great programs that take place in the spring and fall on Sunday nights: Merge, for engaged or seriously dating couples, and Re-Engage, for married couples seeking to reconnect, reignite or resurrect their marriage.

What a joy to see God work in couples’ lives through these great ministries! I am also working to provide training, resources, and encouragement to the parents of CFBC. That’s why we are planning events like “Family Talk for Parents” this January. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have ideas about how to better minister to the families of CFBC. Strong families make up a healthy church that is used to fulfill our purpose of making disciples in this community and around the world. Disciple-making starts in the home, and I’m excited to help in any way God desires.