On Saturday, July 30, the Broken Arrow SDA Church filled up with members anxious to greet their new pastor, Nathan Shires, and his wife, Gurpreet. This is a new season for the Broken Arrow congregation. For the past Seventeen years, the church was faithfully shepherded by Clayton Calvert a lay pastor and a charter member of the church when it was planted in 1978. In March of 2022, Calvert went to his rest in Jesus.
Pastor Nathan was introduced at the pulpit by his father, James Shires, President of the Oklahoma Conference. Elder Shires then led out in a moving dedication ceremony for Pastor Nathan, Gurpreet, and the Broken Arrow church.
"My wife and I feel humbled and privileged to serve in ministry at the Broken Arrow Seventh-day Adventist Church. We have found the Broken Arrow Church to be a warm and welcoming church community with people who are excited to serve and share the gospel in their larger community. I look forward to growing together with our new church family and to fulfilling God’s vision through His church in Broken Arrow." Pastor Nathan Shires
The service included special music by Moses Kalebaila accompanied by Dr. Jeff Davis and a great children’s story about trust by Carol Mathews. The children’s story went right along with the theme this church has been holding fast to for the past 40 years: when we trust God, He will supply all our needs!
Pastor Nathan then preached his first sermon, “The Posture of Victory.” He said, “The real victory posture is in prayer on our knees. That’s where the battle is determined and won!”
During this impactful service, the congregation sang “His Name is Wonderful,” a song they’ve been singing every Sabbath for over 40 years. Judy Marquette, charter member, and church historian says “We look forward to the leadership of Pastor Nathan as we worship together.”
The Broken Arrow church members are thrilled to partner with God in the future and are excited to see God leading in their church through Pastor Nathan.