October 2005

For three months last Spring the elders of Christian Assembly and Apostle Bobby Hill searched from coast to coast for God’s chosen servant to lead this church located in Vienna, Virginia (Washington DC beltway). The challenge of identifying a new pastor for a church is to be mindful of the principle revealed in I Samuel 16:7: "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

 

Anyone can make judgments based on external qualities, but discerning the heart of leaders is not as easy. It requires spiritual sensitivity and diligence in seeking the mind of the Lord.

 

After reviewing 120 resumes and 40 sermons the search was narrowed to four final candidates. The search team and the elders of Christian Assembly carried their responsibility with maturity and skillful wisdom. By early May the church had the opportunity to hear Vernon Dean share his heart and to observe his leadership style during a weekend visit. After weeks of prayer and fasting, the church’s elders with the support of Bobby, their apostolic overseer, confirmed that the Lord’s will was to invite Vernon Dean to serve as their new Senior Pastor. The members of the church rejoiced over the news that the transition between shepherds was now over. Everyone was anticipating the chance to chart a new course of growth and fruitfulness.

 

Pastor Vernon and his wife, Ruth Ann, who recently pastored for 13 years in Exeter, Ontario (Canada), moved his family to northern Virginia in July. With ample ministry experience, ranging from worship leading, the Deans bring impressive gifts and talents to Christian Assembly. They have two children who are both pursuing their training in college.

 

On Sunday, September 25th Pastor Dean was installed as pastor during a special ceremony which included numerous ministers who had been sent out from the 32 year old church including the founding pastor and many friends of the church. Pastor Bobby charged Pastor Dean to lead the flock with integrity of heart and skillful hands (Psalms 78:72). He was anointed with oil in the pattern of biblical leaders and prayed over by the elders and visiting ministers.

 

Vanguard Ministries is delighted to embrace the Deans as its newest partner pastor and congratulate them on their appointment. It will not be long before everyone recognizes that Vernon Dean is a man who has the heart of a shepherd!