Life with the Lord: The Rev. Vern Gunnels joined his faith in 1967

The Rev. Vern Gunnels of Jackson Free Will Baptist Church in Jackson wasn't raised in a church. In fact his only exposure to Christianity was when his aunt and uncle used to take him church twice a year, usually on Easter and Christmas. But Gunnels said those times were cherished moments. He joined the U.S. Air Force on his 18th birthday to get away from his father, who Gunnels said taught him how to drink, gamble, lie, steal and cuss. When he returned home in 1967, Gunnels said, his younger sister invited him to attend Free Will Baptist Church with her. Since giving his life to Lord later that year, he has never turned back.

How long have you been a member of your faith? In May 1967 I surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ, the best decision of my life. I went looking for a friend but left thinking the whole sermon was meant for me. The preacher had an audience of 350, but I felt like most of his sermon was meant for me. After several setbacks and a near-fatal accident, I prayed and asked God to straighten me out. He did, and it has been the best decision of my life. Fifteen months later God called me to preach and I said, "Yes sir, but you're going to have to help big time." He has.

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor? Because I had no idea what the responsibilities of a pastor were, I transferred to the Bible College in Fresno, Calif. I fell in love with a fine young lady, and we were married in May 1969. After graduation in May 1971, we began our family, which now has three children and seven grandchildren.

How many years have you served as a pastor? I pastored in California for 10 years; overall it has been 40 years.

When did you become the pastor at your church? October 2009.

Where are you from and when/why did you move to the area? I was born in Oakland, Calif. I originally moved to Jackson a couple of years ago to retire, but that didn't happen after a couple of months of living here. Jackson Free Will Baptist Church had called me because they had an opening in their church. ... I accepted the position in October 2009.

Were you involved with your church before becoming the pastor? No, I was not involved with the church before becoming pastor.

What do you think makes this church special? One of the things that makes our church so special is the New Disciples Lesson Program that we installed at our church. So many times I run into believers who don't have support after they make their confession of faith. I believe our church hones onto this principles and makes sure that people become stable in the walk in faith.

What's your favorite verse and why? Matthew 6:33. Psalms 118:24 is also a good one.

What program have you done with your church that you are proud of and why? One of the most rewarding efforts of my ministry has been the New Disciples Lessons to help new believers with all their questions concerning their walk with the Lord through the Scriptures. We have pastored in California, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and now Missouri. We are looking forward to seeing God work in our small church as we strive to please him.

What events or occasions does your church have coming up? Today we will host the Youth Evangelistic Team with a potluck meal at 11 a.m. to hear of their overseas excursions this summer. Everyone is invited.

What's your favorite day of the week and why? I will say Sunday. It is the day that we all gather together to worship the Lord and sing his praises and, of course, I get to preach and I get to brag on Jesus.

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? Being able to tell people the truth of God's word.

What hobbies do you have? My fun days may be spent fishing or golfing, unless of course the lawn needs mowing.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? I sometime substitute for the Jackson School District. The students are normally fascinated that I always ride my bicycle to work.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day? Matthew 6:33. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." It's a promise to all of us. I have seen him do this in my life and countless others.