Comments:
Jerrie and Gail–it has been such a pleasure having you two here with us. I truly hate to see you go and wish you could stay with us!
Pros:
> Leadership
> Teaching abilities
> Personalities
> Frankness
> Taking positive approach and guiding us away from negative feelings
> Organizational abilities
Cons:
Feeling like you are “family” and hating to see you go.
– Paula
# 2
Comments:
The interim ministry concept worked well. It would have been a mistake to quickly hire a new minister.
Pros:
Good lessons, personable, available, consistent, kept it on our minds that he was an interim, knowledgeable.
Cons:
– Robert
# 3
Comments:
(1) Most importantly was your willingness to come and be one of us.
(2) Your organized plan
(3) Your willingness to listen (really listen)
Pros:
– Your ability to call things as you see them and address areas that need to be addressed
– Puntual
– Allowing us to help you get established in your apartment
– Set guidelines
Cons:
I really do not have anything negative to say
– Bill
# 4
Comments:
You and Gail “fit” into Collegeside from the very first. There did not seem to be any period of adjustment. You both were actively involved in all phases of Collegeside work.
Pros:
Collegeside has been blessed by Jerrie’s lessons. We have also been blessed by Gail’s involvement and “hard work.” She is a “rare find.” Our well wishes and prayers go with you (and Zeke).
Cons:
– Phyllis
# 5
Comments:
Your ministry helped unite a divided church and allow healing.
I particularly enjoyed your message about the different types of love.
Pros:
(1) Consensus building
(2) Common sense approach to problem solving
(3) Encouraging message
Cons:
– name provided but not shared by request
# 6
Comments:
You came to see us when we lost a loved one and was grieving–It was healing.
Pros:
I love the sermons and sense of humor. The way you present the lessons is very engaging and interesting.
Cons:
You are leaving–I know we will come to know and love our new minister and his family but there will be an unfilled space.
– Cathy
# 7
Comments:
Great experience
Valuable in pulpit & maybe more so in other activities
Great leadership training
Pros:
Organization
Public speaker
Bible knowledge
Fabulous wife
Good communicator
Cons:
none
– James
# 8
Comments:
I really love your old school insight on Christian living. Thank you.
Pros:
nice person
Cons:
none
– Hernandez
# 9
Comments:
Thank you. This interim association has been a blessing to this church and to me. The friendships we have made will not be interim!
Great preaching
Pros:
My family appreciated so much your attendance at Andy and Mindy’s wedding reception. What an effort when you probably did not even know them. Thank you for your involvement in our families.
Cons:
That you are leaving!
– Connie
# 10
Comments:
If I got up and decided that I could not get up & go to church I knew that I could not miss the sermon you were giving. It has always been great! Thanks for you and Gail. I loved the Ladies Class when Gail was teaching. She made us feel down to earth and that we were not the only one to have problems at work, or at home!
Pros:
Cons:
– Gail
# 11
Comments:
It’s good to have someone outside of the situation to diagnose the problems and help correct them. It’s sort of like why parents don’t give their own kids shots!
Pros:
Gentle guidance and correction. Emphasis on communication!
Cons:
None have come to mind.
– Chuck
# 12
Comments:
Thank you
Pros:
I appreciate the fact that your teaching & preaching are both Practical and Biblical!!
I appreciate that you never made me feel as if I was taking up time. You always made me feel important.
Cons:
I still have a few questions I would like to ask you. I would like to understand some things you said better (or maybe deeper is a better word.)
– name provided but not shared by request
# 13
Comments:
It is impossible to put into words my love and appreciation to each of you for all you have both done for Collegeside. I can’t imagine life here without the two of you any more.
I’m sure God knew your ability and talent was just what we needed here at Collegeside. However, it would be so greedy of us to want to keep you on here forever – when you can do so much in another situation to iron out kinks and problems elsewhere. Where ever you go & what ever you do – you will take a piece of my heart felt thanks and sincere appreciation for each of you along with you forever.
Pros:
Cons:
– Lorraine
# 14
Comments:
Jerrie and Gail Barber both receive an A+ by my scoring. I believe their impact for good at Collegeside will be long lasting. That Jerrie and Gail are willing to move so often is a tribute to their dedication and demonstrates the potential value and effectiveness of Interim Ministry.
Although Jerry urges us to concentrate on our new minister, we can only hope that he and Gail will not close the door on an occasional return visit, possibly even to the point of holding a meeting sometime.
Pros:
Jerrie challenges us with excellent sermons and his delivery adds to messages which include frequent quotations of scripture (“the bible tells me so”). He consistently presents the age old admonitions in a new and interesting way.
My wife has had considerable exposure to Gail through ladies’ classes and projects and will always remember her with great admiration.
Jerrie’s direction and daily involvement in the ongoing work is the icing on the cake.
Cons:
Any restriction on how long Jerrie and Gail will stay with a congregation might well be resisted, but by limiting their tenure to no more than a year, more churches could be blessed by having them. And what a blessing that is!
Jerry emphasizes that he welcomes criticism to help him improve. Sorry, I can’t think of any justifiable complaint.
– SM
# 15
Comments:
Jerrie & Gail, You were both a wonderful blessing to Collegeside! I know first-hand a lot of your work and good deeds since I worked with you on the staff.
Jerrie: You efforts to research our past and help us prepare for the future will have long-lasting positive results. Thanks for teaching us how to celebrate important events! Also, Jerrie, your running (barefoot or not) has encouraged me to exercise more.
Gail, you have been such a great help and inspiration in the kitchen!! You can be a one-woman show or a team member in the kitchen. Your willingness to help has been a role model for men. I love you both & am praying for your future endeavors.
Pros:
Cons:
– Jenny
# 16
Comments:
It has been our good fortune to have had you both. Having you with us could not have been better. Best wishes in all you do. We will miss you.
Pros:
Jerrie, you make the Bible come alive with your well-prepared sermons delivered in your unique way, using scripture after scripture from your remarkable memory to back up your lessons. Gail more than fulfilled her role and everyone loves her. She is so nice and has pitched right in like she had always been here.
Cons:
None actually. I did have some trouble hearing sometimes but that’s because I need an aid.
– Betty
# 17
Comments:
Jerrie, I appreciate so much the way you take God’s word, explain it and then show us how to apply it to our everyday lives. I also like the way you present doing God’s word as a joyful thing & not by threatening Hell as the reason to serve God.
Pros:
Each lesson is packed full of great content! You & Gail have been a wonderful blessing to all of us here at Collegeside.
Cons:
None–I will miss you!!
– Debi
# 18
Comments:
Gail pitched in and did more than her share.
Pros:
Jerry was great learning names. Used lots of scriptures
Cons:
Talked too fast! Took too long to go through process
– name provided but not shared by request
# 19
Comments:
Jerrie brought a wealth of practical wisdom to Collegeside at a time when we really needed it. From his proven, methodical process for selecting a new minister to his leadership coaching to his memorable sermons, he is an exceptionally gifted minister with a true passion for the interim process. Our church family is healthier and more unified than we have been in a long time, and God working through Jerrie and his wife Gail is a big reason why.
Pros
* Offered practical lessons and classes full of memorable catch phrases. I have been particularly blessed by the concepts of “the mustard seed, ” “family rules,” and the “rose garden.”
* Revolutionized the way we value and practice personal recognition within our church
* Connected with people from a wide variety of ages and backgrounds
* Provided decades of real-world personal experiences that applied to any situation
* Was exceptionally hard-working and dedicated
* Understood the value of repetition and simplicity to the learning process
* Coached our leadership on ways they could improve, yet did not force things, leaving it to them to initiate necessary personal and group change
* Demonstrated a good balance of strength of personality and true humility
Cons:
* Would not let us talk him in to staying permanently.
– Brad
# 20
Comments:
Having an interim minister was just what our church family needed. Jerrie preached and taught us exactly what we needed to hear.
Pros:
* Jerrie & Gail jumped right in and started to work immediately in our congregation!
* Jerrie taught a series of classes for the elders and their wives which was very helpful
* Jerrie taught a leadership class for men of the congregation which was excellent
* Jerrie is very organized, an excellent minister and speaker
* Be prepared to work–Jerrie will challenge you!
* Jerrie and Gail were a blessing to our church family.
* Gail is a perfect minister’s wife
Cons:
– Bebo & Kathy
# 21
Comments:
I just want to say: I have not been a member of Collegeside very long, but from what I saw of Jerrie & Gail Barber’s ministry is that they have come into a church that was hurting and has done a tremendous job in helping them heal and grow closer together.
Pros:
Cons:
– name provided by not shared by request
# 22
Comments:
Sermons always scriptures proof. Jerry Barber and Gail have a good sense of humor! These two are a perfect team and have done wonders at Collegeside. We would love to keep them both God has prepared them to help His work. They must fulfill their calling. We will miss them but will long to be in Heaven some day with them again. The Leadership classes must be wonderful as the men seen to like them. They have become great leaders for Collegeside. Gail is a joy to be with and always there as needed and so willing. True christians & true friends.
Pros:
Cons:
– Wanda
# 23
Comments:
I will miss you, your humor and memory skills are amazing. The stories you shared with us, your honesty, the importance of being kind in word, deed, and actions show a man of integrity in you. Thank you for sharing the word of God in your unique way. Your talk today on how to treat our new minister was very kind and thought it to be a great idea. Would have never thought it necessary until you gave examples of what we do to new people sometimes. Thank you for thinking of others. Pray you and Gail move into another phase of life that is rewarding.
Pros:
Cons:
– name provided but not shared by request
# 24
Comments:
Jerry, Great job. You were just what we needed. Needed to heal and we have done that. Did lot of teaching for our leadership. Wish you could stay and be on staff. You prepare people for the future rather than staying in the past.
Pros:
Cons:
– Noel
# 25
Comments:
Collegeside is a much healthier church now than when you arrived – so most importantly thank you & God bless. Your ministry is very effective and a great idea. Making it clear it was only interim from start was smart.
Pros:
Very effective in appealing to different groups & calming nervousness about “church” differences. Structure & counseling were extremely strong & very beneficial in the interim role.
Cons:
The only thing I might suggest is that some weeks when sermon was more on the practical side I would have appreciated a little more Jesus. Understand the need for those lessons but often feel that Sunday morning should be more of a focus on Jesus/Holy Spirit/God. I especially think of visitors & “unchurched” who might be there & don’t want to miss the opportunity to share the gospel.
– Mike
# 26
Comments:
Excellent job at returning unity to our church family.
Pros:
Cons:
– Garth
# 27
Comments:
Interim or full-time, Jerrie has done a terrific job in and out of the pulpit! Gail has also been a “jewel” and has stepped right in to compliment Jerrie’s work with Collegeside.
Pros:
Due to their experience(s) working with various congregations, Jerrie and Gail have learned to step right in and fit into a congregation. Maybe this is a gift rather than a learned ability, but either way, I suggest experience helps.
Cons:
No doubt everyone has opportunities where improvement is possible, but I cannot think of anything I would change other than getting to know them better (on my part). Sorry, but I have no constructive criticism or that of any other kind, at the moment. “Good luck,” meaning, “May God continue to bless your efforts!” wherever you may god and do His work!
– Ed
# 28
Comments:
Our church was struggling through transition when you arrived and you have helped us reach the other side gracefully and prepared to thrive with our new preacher.
Pros:
I feel like you both have greatly helped our congregation grow, mainly through improved communication and encouraging individuals to take the initiative to get things accomplished. You both are some of the sweetest people I have ever met.
Cons:
I frequently found myself reading my Bible during sermons because they seemed to be going in circles or repeating. You lessons were very good, but I jus sometimes had difficulties in following.
– name provided but not shared by request
# 29
Comments:
I’ve loved you & Gail being here with us. You’ve helped me tremendously. Thank you very much.
Pros:
I’ve enjoyed Wed. & Sundays. I enjoyed Gail in Sunday School.
Cons:
– Jean
# 30
Comments:
I was hurt, disappointed and confused by what had happened in our church family when we lost Kevin and Kelly so close together. It was such a blessing when Jerrie started out with the sermon on how we will have problems in the church as long as we have people in the church.
Pros:
I have gained so much from the ministry of Jerrie & Gail. I will alway remember to grab a mustard seed from sermons, books, etc. I know that our family has learned a great deal from Jerrie & Gail.
Cons:
Everything about Jerrie & Gail’s ministry was healing from me! I can honestly say that the only “con” was the times when Jerrie & Gail were gone. (away for a gospel meeting, etc.)
– Susan
# 31
Comments
I learned from you every time I heard you or watched you interacting with others.
Pros:
Cons:
– Joe
# 32
Comments:
We have enjoyed and been challenged by your lesson. We are in awe of your memory ability. Love the way you include so many scriptures in your sermons.
Pros:
Positive teaching
Energetic approach
Challenges us to a broader view and new approach. Reminds me of the differences in viewing the world from you front porch versus the view from outer space. I think you helped us see God’s perspective
Ability to point out problems with humor
Cons:
None
– Maxine
# 33
Comments:
We have loved having you here. I really feel like you have transitioned us from a congregation that was somewhat splintered to one which has come back together and is ready to make a difference in our community.
Pros:
The leadership classes, the sermons which allowed us to really look at ourselves honestly, being honest about your faith
Cons:
Sometimes felt like there was a distance at which I could not beyond to really get to know each other, but then again that may be a part of the interim ministry idea to really make it work. (Don’t take that too hard but trying to be honest and find some sort of con)
Thank you for all you have done!
– Clarence
# 34
Comments:
You gave us a mustard seed. I give you a star, both you and Gail are a blessing to me.
Pros:
You have said everything possible to cause folks to “get along.”
Cons:
I pray that my friends who left & the elders can communicate in the near future.
– Pat
# 35
Comments:
What a pleasure it has been for the Barbers to have been with us. God sent you to us when we needed it the most. From day one you have helped to direct us in making our path an easier one. Truly, all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. You have shown God’s love in all that you have done. What a wonderful blessing it has been for me. It’s not goodbye – but see you again. They will be so blessed – wherever you go!!! You were too good to us, it’s hard to let you go.
Pros:
Cons:
– Terry
# 36
Comments:
Your experience in interim work was evident in your organization and classes with the elders and future leaders.
Pros:
Encouraging the elders to be more visible and friendly. Your leadership in the area preacher meetings fosters a spirit of understanding and cooperation in the Lord’s work here in Cookeville.
Gail: thanks for our friendliness and quickly being an active part of the family here.
Cons:
– Caroline
# 37
Comments:
Your work with us has been such a blessing. You helped our members through some hard feelings and helped each of us to grow. Gail was a wonderful example of a servant’s wife.
Pros:
You became part of our family. Didn’t act like a visiting preacher you both learned our names, our connections to others, and what was going on in our lives. The elders & staff monthly meetings were practical & helped us grow closer. Heard good comments about the leadership classes.
Cons:
Some of the material covered on Sunday nights needed to be heard by the Sunday morning crowd
– Peggy
# 38
Comments:
Jerry, you are the best preacher I have known in the pulpit or outside of the pulpit. I am so glad to get to know you and wished to have know you earlier. Wherever you go I won’t forget you. Your preaching moved my heart deep in the bottom. Wish you success wherever you god and my prayers will go with you. Please keep me in your prayers.
Pros:
Cons:
Sometimes I feel you put too much information in one sermon. I don’t know you intend to put more in a short time.
– Will
# 39
Comments:
I really enjoyed all the classes you led with staff, elders & wives. I thought your lessons were helpful & interesting.
Pros:
Helped the congregation to focus more on unity and led us in the way we needed to go. Appreciated the teams that were set up to not only find a preacher but to get to know ourselves.
Cons:
I appreciated that you used a lot of scriptures in your lesson but you were so fast that it was hard to look them up – which I really enjoy and think is important for me to do, so I get it implanted in my mind audibly and visually.
– name provided but not shared by request
# 40
Comments:
What a breath of fresh air! I’m happy it took so long to find a new preacher – so we could be continually inspired by Gail & Jerrie.
Pros:
You, (Jerrie) do speak clearly and articulate – I’m hearing impaired so this is so important to me. Both are knowledgeable about human nature and makes each sermon and teaching fun and informative. You have experienced life’s woes and tribulation. You will be missed. Have a good life.
Cons:
– Nancy
# 41
Comments:
We have been truly blessed because you came our way. You and Gail have planted many mustard seeds to our community through the Wed. services. Thank you so much.
Pros:
Your sense of humor, your volunteering (Gail) and all the great meals you have done—your visit to Nashville for visitation and funeral of Bill’s mom.
You both will be missed and we shall keep you in our prayers. Please come back and visit us often.
Cons:
– Joan
# 42
Comments:
You were great. We are very fortunate to have Jerry & Gail for this past year. They performed greatly.
Pros:
Jerry was always well prepared and delivered his message very well.
Cons:
We hate to see them leave. They related in greatly with our church.
– Dean
# 43
Comments:
I really enjoyed your sermons & visit to our Sunday class. However, I was most impressed with your involvement with the food pantry ministry. The people knew you really cared for them and have made many comments on how they will miss you. The seed has been planted and others will water. Thank you for this involvement and the encouragement you have me personally (by your comments) when I got discouraged when others seemed to not care about this ministry. Through you sermons I have learned I must do what God has called me to do not not worry about the others who don’t. 1 Sam 14:6 I will miss you!
Pros
Cons:
– Kandy
# 44
Comments:
You are a delightful couple! I am so glad to have had the privilege and pleasure to have been able to be associated with you during your short stay here.
Pros:
Your sermons were scriptural and inspirational, and were presented in such a way to keep my attention! Just some down-to-earth humor mixed in, and real life issues we call all relate to.
I wish your continued health, love & vitality. The next church is very fortunate to have you come and work with them. You are a wonderful leader & Gail is “tops.”
Cons:
– In Christian love, Jean
# 45
Comments:
Ed & I are very sorry that we did not get to know you both better while here in Cookeville @ Collegeside! From what we do know, we have been very impressed w/BOTH of you!
Pros:
I especially love how Gail has jumped into every situation & helped out & how she has been so open about her life! You both are such Bible scholars & exactly what our church family has needed!
Cons:
None!
– Cathy
# 46
Comments:
I have so enjoyed your lessons…stories, poetry, scripture, songs…always interesting & engaging – Thanks!
Pros:
Cons:
– Beth
# 47
Comments:
I have enjoyed your teaching & preaching so very much. I am 63 yrs old & have learned so much. I know your main purpose was to help organizing etc for help in process of getting a new preacher. But your lessons to me in the pulpit. I know your desire not to stay at one place for very long. But I want you to know how much your presence, your actions & preaching has meant to me.
Pros:
Common sense – common sense – common sense Practical Application of God’s word! Thanks
Your lessons apply to us as Christians in our everyday life. It’s not just preaching but how we apply to our everyday life. I grew up hearing don’t do this, do this or your going to hell. Everone else is wrong & we’re the ones that have it all figured out. Practical application of God’s word is what I needed. Thanks.
Cons:
If I knew any I would certainly tell you but I don’t.
– Royce
# 48
Comments:
Godly advice! Knowledge of scriptures, memorized, as well as beautiful poems, stories etc. Your discipline, mentally & physically is very encouraging.
Pros:
Willing to learn until you draw your last breath.
Gail is unmaterilistic, not being anxious to “get home” & very selfless, serving where neede, not dwelling on her health problems. Wish I could glean some much more from her. God bless you sister!
Cons:
– Carol
# 49
Comments:
Love and appreciate you both! You will be remembered & missed.
Pros:
Easy to understand, much wisdom in teaching & sermons.
Guidance given in our preacher search.
Serving us, loving us, giving 100 % of yourselves to a temporary job (great example for us!)
Cons:
Jerrie – only 1 – wanted an Easter/special service (felt we had people here that may only come once or twice a year)
Gail – haven’t found any cons! 🙂
– Dawn
# 50
Comments:
Thank you so much! You and Gail were such great examples, teachers and friends to us. We will miss you so much. I am thankful for your service and the way you are letting God use you to help others.
Pros:
It was so helpful to have someone that did not already have a “side,” or “bone to pick” etc. that could be unbiased and help us see things from a fresh perspective. You shared a wealth of information with us that was incredibly helpful. You sayings are catchy and easy to remember. We will be quoting “Barberisms” for years to come.
Cons:
Non come to mind at present 🙂
– Taryn
# 51
Comments:
You always encouraged me.
Pros:
You are a great preacher.
Cons:
There was nothing I thought was negative.
– Annabelle
# 52
Comments:
Excellent speaker.
Pros:
Tells stories that keep your attention and have biblical application.
Cons:
Can be repetitive with certain things, but not too bad.
– Andrew
# 53
Comments:
Your lessons were spot on, with easily understood subjects. Lesson content included irrefutable logic and points to ponder and develop after the lesson was over. You included humor in your lessons which was not only funny but also illustrated very well the point you were making. Your memory is very impressive and your presentation first rate. I would not hesitate to recommend you and look forward to any of your future visits to Collegeside.
Pros:
Cons:
Some of the younger generation were less than enthusiastic with the amount of repetition in your lesson, but I disagree. I know how important repetition is to make a point which will be remembered. The only exception I would make here is the “I never promised you a rose garden” lesson in which repetition content was a bit lengthy.
– Daniel
# 54
Comments:
There have been so many practical & useful messages (sermons) that have helped me to adjust to the changes of preachers.
Pros:
Your points have been clear, concise & not overly serious & moralistic. Your sense of humor is wonderful.
Cons:
Sorry, but I can’t think of any cons. Guess you weren’t here long enough!
– name provided but not shared by request
# 55
Comments:
Jerry, you truly have a gift for delivering your message.
Pros:
Great communicator
Easily accessible
Cons:
None
– Sandy
# 56
Comments:
5 stars – I can not imagine anyone doing a better job of pulling us together and feeding our spirits.
Pros:
Actually being taught with scripture – not a dull moment.
Cons:
Do not know of any!
– Beverly
# 57
Comments:
The greatest blessing to a church is to have a “system” to select a minister. Jerrie comes with a tested system to move a church forward. It isn’t the only system but it is a great system! Gail and Jerry are tremendous assets!
Pros:
Jerrie give the church a time to think about what we need as a church. Jerrie is optimistic and forward-looking.
Cons:
The great downside is seeing the Barbers leave after getting to know and love them.
– Justin
# 58
Comments:
Most helpful was the emphasis on learning how to “fuss” without splitting the church
Pros:
The lessons began & progressed as we progress through the process – much like counseling
Cons:
It was a little long – but worth the wait –
– name provided but not shared by request
# 59
Comments:
Our congregation has greatly benefitted from the Barbers time here. You came to us when we needed you the most and you gave us the tools we need to continue to grow. You have helpfed us bind up the wounds and look forward to great things in the future. You are a true blessing!
Pros
Leadership classes, thought-provoking and challenging lessons from the pulpit.
Cons:
– Chrystal
# 60
Comments:
It has been a great fun ride. Thank you.
Pros:
– Humorous
– Good to talk to
– Unique ideas
– Good at remembering poetry, etc.
– Facebook
Cons:
– Drake
# 61
Comments:
It’s been great having you here. I’ve enjoyed your lessons.
Pros:
Lessons were very applicable
Used lots of Bible verses in sermons
Cons:
Quoted verses in rapid succession so it was hard to look them all up and still pay attention to the lesson
– Amy
# 62
Comments:
Open, unabated, frank, excellent
Pros:
Most knowledgeable
Totally committed
Cons:
-0-
– Eldon
# 63
Comments:
I had been told that you were gifted at helping a church heal its wounds, and I found that to be true.
Pros:
I enjoyed your sermons & lessons on resolving conflicts in church, improving communication, & building spiritual leadership.
Cons:
I regret that we will no longer have regular fellowship with you.
– Kurt
# 64
Comments:
Overall Jerrie did an excellent job challenging our hearts, our minds, and our souls while encouraging us to do all that we can to supplement our own relationship with God. He always reminded us of the ways we should treat and welcome our new minister when he should arrive.
Pros:
– excellent speaking ability and being able to relate to others.
– effectively kept us aware of God’s plan, while preparing us for our new minister.
Cons:
-0-
– Brandon
# 65
Comments:
Loved every thing you did, preaching, teaching, and as a friend
Pros:
Cons:
– James
# 66
Comments:
Outstanding without a personal agenda – you simply gave of yourself to help us transition & you succeeded.
Pros:
Meet people well.
Good listener – good friend.
Communicated very useful information on how to treat one another.
Cons:
None I can think of.
– John
# 67
Comments:
The emphasis on communication after holding my own preferences up to the light of the Spirit has been powerful. So often it has seemed everything flowed “downhill.”
Pros:
Solid Biblical teaching
Gifted teacher/preacher
Gail’s gently, servant nature expressed so lovingly
Cons:
– Carolyn
# 68
Comments:
Thanks for showing picture of Joe’s family. You have been GREAT!! We will mis you & Gail. Do not forget us. Pray for us!!
Pros:
Jerrie – you have been a great minister, visiting, friendly reaching out to children.
Zeke has been a great helper.
Thanks for reminding us to wear name tags.
Gail – you are such a worker! Thanks – you are great with names, concerns. I love you & Jerrie
Cons:
Sometimes you talk a little too fast for some seniors – Jerrie
– name provided but not shared by request
Please, please come back to see us. Good comments about new preacher.
# 69
Comments:
Your ministry truly prepared us to move on, look for a new minister, and to examine ourselves so well!
Pros:
Ability to lead
Bible knowledge
Excellent communication!
Ability to “tell it like it is” without being confrontational
Uncanny ability to soothe without “enabling” or allowing badmouthing or gossip
Gail has jumped right in and given us a wonderful example of servanthood
Wonderful sense of humor!
Cons:
– Beverly
# 70
Comments:
You did a good job of helping everyone know from the beginning what your role was here & that it was finite. Preparing the ground here by tilling & turning & putting us in straight rows planting seed of the word & breaking dirt clots up when needed. Allow the next (Joe) to water & reap the harvest, & pull the weeds that come up along the way.
Pros:
Gave good lessons to help direct the church in one accord. He prepared us as a church to work as individuals of one body, i.e. hands, eyes, ears, feet; but work for the common good. Participated with the church programs & befriended members of the congregation & became a member of the family. Good power point skills. Brought milk & meat to every lesson, avoided being milk toast. Taught us that being fed one time a week by the preacher is not a healthy diet, that we should participate in our own spiritual diet daily.
Cons:
Leaving the community.
– Apryl
# 71
Comments:
I want you to have website lessons available.
Pros:
Continuous positive outlook.
Helped me over some hard times.
Cons:
– James
# 72
Comments:
Best idea we have had. Gave our church time to contemplate, decide and search for the best man to work with our congregation
Pros:
1. Freed from worry.
2. Continuity.
3. Focused us on our behavior.
4. Led us in a process to find a new preacher.
5. As an “outsider” no axe to grind.
Cons:
1. Loss of 2 friends & Christian workers.
– Lloyd
# 73
Comments:
Extremely organized. Gail & Jerry were immediately a part of Collegeside. They know what they are doing. I am impressed with the training provided the men.
Pros:
Listens to comments with the idea of growing & getting better. Always trying to learn & improve his service to church family. Jerry is the type of man that mature people should strive to emulate.
Cons:
– Phil
# 74
Comments:
I appreciate Jerrie’s willingness to speak candidly about the struggles that churches face while in periods of transition. So many times people don’t want to deal with difficult times because they require change, but Jerrie addressed tough topics with sensitivity and practical applications which were very helpful.
Pros:
– Knowledge of the word
– Interacts/deals with many facets of the church (elders, leadership, etc.)
– Excellent, applicable lessons
Cons:
– Speaks almost too fast when quoting multiple memorized scriptures, occasionally hard to understand how scriptures apply to the topic
– Eric
# 75
Comments:
Thanks for all the “special gifts” you have shared with us. They have truly been special. We will miss you, but you have done a good job preparing us for Joe & Judy.
Pros
Cons:
– Sue
# 76
Comments:
You are a brother and sister and are expected back to the table.
Pros:
Open and upfront with communication.
Cons:
Signed a contract and would not stay.
– Durley
# 77
Comments:
Jerrie & Gail both of you have done well. Both of you have been very helpful to Collegeside. May God continue to bless both of you in your good work. Please keep in touch with Collegeside. We will miss you. Please find that Collegeside will always welcome both of you.
Pros:
Jerrie—I enjoyed the leadership class.
Cons:
– Bob
# 78
Comments:
You just need to say what you said to us and you’ll be great!
Pros:
You have great mustard seeds.
Cons:
Hey I have NO cons.
– Ellie
OK, you were great
# 79
Comments:
I love Jerrie’s energy!
Pros:
Jerry is a fantastic preacher. His sermons are very clear and he really knows his Bible. I love how his mission in his interim ministry is to teach us how to make a great transition by clear communication.
Cons:
– Erin
# 80
Comments:
Jerrie has gained wisdom from his experiences and readily shares his thoughts. He is a good man with a great heart.
Pros:
Very transparent. Lets us know what he wants from us and asks for the same. Great Bible knowledge. Workshops were a time of much learning and the way Jerrie looks at things is new and interesting.
Cons:
Power points can be hard to read
– Tom
# 81
Comments:
I really enjoyed all the workshops and explanations of the transition process.
Pros:
Great lessons.
Cons:
None I can think of now…
– David
# 82
Comments:
Jerrie, your age & experience give you a confidence that is very effective, & readily accepted where others may not tred so easily.
Pros:
– You talk about subjects that are hard. Good for all of us. You know how to be nice while being candid.
– Your work to bring the diverse stances of our area churches together.
– Sense of humor.
Cons:
Limit of 18 months!
– Ken
# 83
Comments:
We needed healing & direction. You provided both. Thank you! Gail’s involvement & kind heart was awesome. Jerry – you are blessed!
Pros:
Cons:
– Kaye
# 84
Comments:
It was good to have the opportunity to get acquainted with you and Gail.
Pros:
It was very thoughtful to furnish a sermon outline for the sign language interpreter.
Cons:
Many times when a familiar passage was quoted, the words were said so fast that a listener not familiar with the passage would not get the meaning.
– Laura
# 85
Comments:
To Jerry & Gail, Thank you for spending your time & energy to prepare this family for our next preacher. You honesty & frankness is so appreciated.
Pros:
You gave us specifics. You treated each member as valuable. Also your involvement with the pantry ministry. was great. You jumped in & worked.
Cons:
Sometimes sermons seemed repetitive – but we probably needed that to learn. 🙂
– name provided but not shared by request
# 86
Comments:
Jerrie and Gail have “gone the extra mile” during their time at Collegeside. In addition to preaching excellent sermons, Jerrie has spent numerous hours training present and future leaders, counseling, visiting, and just being available to those who needed him Gail of one of the most “involved” preachers’s wives that I have ever known. She is a great asset to Jerrie and his ministry. No matter what the event, she was always there doing more than “her part.” I am going to miss them.
Pros:
Cons:
– Linda
# 87
Comments:
Thank you for everything you did for us in the short period you were here. Your preaching style was right down my alley & you always kept me interested in what you had to say. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me and pushing me to strengthen my faith. You stepped on toes but always dusted them off at the end!
Pros:
Straightforward, kind with kids, a man of God constantly striving to make himself & those around him better. Taught all of the Bible the good, the bad, & and ugly.
Cons:
Not the prettiest things to look at! Just kidding.
– Brendan
# 88
Comments:
What a blessing your family has been! Thank you for your hard work. Our church family has a renewed sense of unity and excitement for what God has planned for us!
Pros:
Organization, encouragement, preparation and delivery of God’s word
Cons:
– Vanessa
# 89
Comments:
Outstanding – we need more like him.
Pros:
Cons:
We need more sermons on first principles.
– James
# 90
Comments:
I appreciate your effort and enthusiasm to share your knowledge & experience. You provided an invaluable service to our church family. Your sermons & classes were thought-provoking. Your immediate work to assimilate yourself w/congregation is powerful.
Pros:
An organized plan to help the congregation move from confusion, shock, disappointment, etc. to a healthy attitude, prepared for a new minister. Jerrie’s easygoing manner is a blessing; especially in difficult circumstances.
Cons:
Create opportunities (classes, etc.) for shepherds & staff to interact w/members. Seems like “learning to love my brothers & sisters” would be enhanced by being more inclusive of members. Also, more direct accountability of shepherds.
– Mike
# 91
Comments:
Right man at the right time. We forgot how long the process took because of your excellent job. Grateful for the way you transfer (process) our thoughts to Joe Roberts & family.
Pros:
Excellent recall, presentation, useful subjects for our congregation, great example of service–this is Gail, Jerry was OK also–kidding; you both make a great team for advancing God love in our live (enjoyed your leadership class—now I never want to be a church leader)
Cons:
I know you would appreciate critical review but I struggle to give any examples. You give me the impression you want our church to be a growing & powerful tool for God.
— Thomas Lynn