News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Religion

November 3, 2012

Newest senior pastor grew up in church

TERRE HAUTE — The ordination of a senior pastor at Maryland Community Church isn’t a regular occurrence.

But that isn’t the only unique aspect of Scot Longyear being ordained during the Sunday morning service Oct. 28 at the church south of Terre Haute on Indiana 46. Indeed, in the past 42 years, Maryland has ordained only two other senior pastors — Gary Greven in 1970, and Vince McFarland in 1986.

Yet, when the church elders conducted the recent ceremony for Longyear — standing alongside both Greven and McFarland — they ordained a man who grew up in the Maryland congregation. Since infancy, Longyear, now 43, has been part of the church, which formerly was located on South Seventh Street and later on south U.S. 41, before moving to the current location. At Maryland, Longyear was baptized, met his future wife, Stephanie, and preached some of his first sermons after joining its pastoral staff.

“I am beyond excited to lead the organization that helped shape who I am,” Longyear said. “The people of Maryland Community Church helped me take steps closer to Christ. Today, we are doing the same for others. Because we have such a great past to build on, I believe the best is yet to come.”

His move into the senior pastorship is the culmination of a five-year transition, allowing McFarland to help prepare his successor. Rather than retiring now, McFarland will step into the senior associate pastor role that Longyear had filled. “Is Vince retiring? Yes, but not anytime soon,” Longyear said. “We need him on staff. He brings tremendous wisdom and experience to the table.”

McFarland, he added, is “a leader full of humility.”

Longyear is a 1989 graduate of Terre Haute South Vigo High School, attended Indiana State University, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry from Lincoln Christian University. He will complete graduate studies through Hope International University in Fullerton, Calif., in May 2013. He has taught and led worship in California, Illinois, Virginia, and internationally in Russia, Spain, and most recently Africa. Longyear was part of the Pastors Discipleship Network — a ministry to teach and provide resources for pastors in Uganda. He has written and recorded four worship music projects, and a live concert video.

Longyear authors a blog at www.scotlongyear.com. Its aim, just as that of the church, he said, is “helping people move one step closer to Christ.”

He and his wife were both born and raised in Terre Haute, and have two daughters — Mariah and Madison.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Religion
Latest News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
AP Video
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Jersey Shore Open for Business First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death Today in History May 24 Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
NDN Video
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage Trout's cycle a boost for Angels Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery Shakira's Shocking Talent Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill DWTS Crowns a Winner Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity
Real Estate News