Gerald Thurman
District Superintendent
Gainesville District
(770) 536-2586
gerald.thurman@ngumc.net
Since June 2004, the Gainesville District has been his assignment. In the short time he's been on board, he's been impressed with the part-time pastors who offer leadership. “We have a dedicated group of bi-vocational pastors who work through the week in their secular jobs and yet serve so faithfully on weekends even though they are overcommitted in terms of time and energy,” he says. “Our churches are also served by a large number of retired ministers and excellent certified lay speakers that are a great asset, too.”
When asked to comment on his own core values and responsibilities, Gerald replies, “Personal integrity is critical. I want to be faithful, caring, and honest. Our God is a holy God and he calls us to be a holy people. I am excited about this opportunity and see the district facilitating the work of the local church. The district superintendent is a servant leader who provides not what our churches want, but what they need.
Hopefully out of the superintendents experience and spiritual maturity, we can offer insight and help when churches are struggling with issues that are preventing them from reaching their full potential.” Expanding the gospel's reach into the growing Hispanic community, encouraging others to attain a clear vision of what God wants them to be, initiating bible studies, and emphasizing the power and importance of prayer in all areas of the church's ministries are also top priorities.
“I think God reveals the divine purpose and design for us individually and denominationally in scripture and then accomplishes it in prayer, a primary mode of communication which is essential for our relationship with Christ,” Gerald says. “Even the smallest churches that have limited resources can become known as a praying church and provide a meaningful ministry in their community.”