A new tour of duty: Former Army chaplain now pastors Illmo Baptist

Illmo Baptist Church celebrated its 90th anniversary last month. The Scott City church, initially called First Baptist Church of Illmo, was founded in April of 1923, according to a news release.

The church is now under the leadership of the Rev. Vernon McClearn. A former U.S. Army chaplain, McClearn joined the church in July of 2012. In this week's Ministry Focus, McClearn shares his background, what led him to serve as a pastor and what ministries are offered at Illmo Baptist Church.

Question: Tell us a little about yourself?

A: I was born in St. Louis, Mo. I hold a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1991. I recently retired from [the] U.S. Army after 22 years as a chaplain. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Mary Lou [Schuetzenhofer], for the last 35 years. We have three daughters and two grandchildren. My hobbies include riding my motorcycle, scuba diving and officiating high school football and basketball games.

Q: How long have you been a member of your faith?

A: I have been a minister in the Southern Baptist Convention for 25 years. I grew up in the church, so in some ways I have been a member of my faith group for 55 years.

Q: Who or what inspired you to join the ministry?

A: My mentor was my pastor growing up. His name was James V. Lamb. I remember watching how he loved the people and preached God's word. I think God called me to the ministry, early in life. Brother Lamb was one who could see something special in the call on my life and encouraged me to follow that call.

Q: What's the greatest blessing you've experienced in the ministry?

A: The greatest blessing is always seeing a person come to know Christ on a personal level. The greatest blessing that I have experienced is being with soldiers that have been wounded in combat and bring the presence of God to them, sometimes in the final moments of their lives.

Q: What's the greatest challenge you've experienced in the ministry?

A: Helping people outside the church understand why our Christian life is so important to us and we still have a place and voice in the community.

Q: What upcoming events or sermon series do you have scheduled at Illmo Baptist Church?

A: This year I will be preaching through the book of Romans. We will have VBS from 5:15 to 8 p.m. July 31 through Aug. 3.

Q: What's your favorite Bible Verse and why?

A: My favorite and life verse is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It gives me peace to know God knows my life and I am not just drifting through, but God has a future for me. I can trust Him in all of life, both good and bad, because He wants the best for my life.

Q: What makes your church unique?

A: A blend between old and new, between senior adults and younger families.

Q: What ongoing ministries does your church offer?

We have Sunday school at 9:45 and worship at 10:55 a.m. On Wednesday, we have dinner at 6 p.m., Bible Study for the adults and Bible Drill for children first through sixth grade. We have a missions group that is focused on caring for the needs of people less fortunate.