Pastors
In the United Methodist Church there are two orders of ordination. The first are the "Elders" who are ordained to the Word, Sacrament, and Order (Teach & Preach, Lord's Supper & Baptism, Administration of the Church). The second are the "Deacons" who are ordained in the Word and Service. Both Elders and Deacons are ordained by the Bishop and Elders are appointed (sent or placed) to the local congregations. Dick House, Cal Brannon, and Randy Wade are Ordained Elders. George Shepherd and Don McAvoy are Ordained Deacons.
The Senior Minister, Dick House, is much like the CEO of a company with oversight responsibilities for all services and activities at McFarlin, casting the Vision and setting goals for the church, as well as the spiritual leader for the congregation. Additionally, Dick is the primary preacher for the Traditional Worship Services.
In a congregation as large, diverse, and growing as McFarlin, the pastoral and staff leader responsibilities are given to the three other ministers of the church: Cal Brannon, Randy Wade, and George Shepherd. Cal serves much like an executive pastor with responsibilities for all staff members, certain commissions, committees and much of the Congregational Care for McFarlin. Additionally, Cal does occasional preaching in each of the services. Randy Wade serves as the primary preacher for our LifeLine Contemporary Worship and leads our Family Ministries. George serves as the minister in charge of Adult Education and Missions at the church and Don McAvoy serves as the Minister of Music.