Even at 42 years old, Chad Hunsberger is still on the younger side when it comes to the average age of a pastor. He has enough experience to know, however, the importance of constant training and instruction no matter the stage of your ministry.
He understands an advantage he enjoyed from a wealth of knowledge being a phone call away.
“I’m the son of a pastor. My father-in-law was in ministry for 45 years. My brother has been in ministry for 25 years,” he said. “I had easy access on questions like how to conduct a funeral or wedding or any other questions related to being a pastor. Not everyone has that privilege.”
About six-and-a-half years ago, Hunsberger moved from an associate pastor position in Pearl to the lead pastor role at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, his first. Within six months an idea began forming to equip members at the church who had expressed a desire to serve on the mission field or other capacities.
The idea became The Timothy Project, founded by Hunsberger. Colonial Heights partnered with the Equip Network of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to offer advanced biblical and theological training. The church also established Bible study groups and prayer groups geared toward exploring the call to ministry. Other steps included establishing a pipeline for mentorship in missions and a residential training program.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and published by the Baptist Record.