Many who read this blog probably think that I’m just a full-time pastor of evangelism, and you’d be partially right. I don’t write too much about my personal life, save for an occasional birthday notice or prayer request, but today, as I’m typing out my daily blog entry a little late, I thought I’d fill you in on what I do exactly at my church, Hope Chapel, so you’ll understand if I don’t write a post every day, or on occasion, re-post an entry.
My main responsibility is as a District Pastor; that is, I oversee a district of our church. Since our congregation comes from a surrounding area of about twenty square miles, we’ve divided this area into four districts; mine is the City of Torrance, with a population of about 150,000. I am charged with raising up mid-week Bible studies called minichurches, of which I have fourteen currently, and I meet with the leaders of these small groups on a regular basis, as well as caring for the 500 or so people who attend our church from this city.
I am the Singles Pastor as well; in fact, when I was hired in 1997, that was what I was employed to do. I maintain a Singles blog called, SinglesConnect, of which I post entries once or twice a week. I teach our 30’s and older singles twice a month and lead monthly leadership meetings on how best to get our singles population to connect with God and with each other.
I also oversee our baptisms, which we try to have six times a year. Last Sunday afternoon we conducted an ocean baptism (we usually hold them indoors) with 30mph winds and a sixty degree temperature. I’m working on the timing of these things.
In addition, I’m required to attend all four of our weekend services (Friday, Saturday, and two Sunday morning), and of course, meet, welcome, and call visitors, disciple believers, and help with biblical guidance whenever needed. I teach from the pulpit on occasion when asked by my Senior Pastor Zac Nazarian, the godliest man I’ve ever known, and a true Daniel in my life. Below, see the short video of him promoting “The Way of the Master” book and our evangelism efforts.
As the pastor of evangelism, I teach a six week evangelism training called “Sharing Your Faith Without Fear,” every other month, and schedule various adventures, which include an outing every Friday evening and every Saturday afternoon. I have a great team of leaders who help me take on these evangelistic tasks every week. I also lead a weekly evangelism outreach at our local community college; and every other Friday, I teach an evangelism training to kids ranging in age from 8-13 years old; and starting tonight, I’ll be doing the teaching portion of our newly formed AWANA program.
Most importantly, I have a wonderful family to attend to, pray for, and love.
Anyway, you get the idea. I’m writing this to give you a little insight into my other responsibilities besides evangelism.
Paul Latour
Steve Sanchez
dede
dede
Paul Latour
Steve Sanchez
Rachael