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MANSFIELD — The Richland County Board of Commissioners recently proclaimed October 2018 as “Clergy Appreciation Month,” encouraging citizens of Richland County Ohio to show their appreciation and support for the clergy whose efforts help make the community a better place to live.
Established in 1992, Clergy Appreciation Month recognizes pastors, missionaries and religious workers, and was first observed in North Central Ohio in 2017.
The proclamation was presented to Reverend Jody Odom and Reverend Bruce Philippi, and describes religion and morality as ”indispensable supports to political prosperity.” The Commissioners also noted clergy efforts in leading the community to prayer and preventing social vices from influencing society.
Speaking of influencing society, there is no question Pastor Philippi’s congregation at Journey Life Center makes the community a priority.
Located outside Shelby at 2578 State Route 39, the fellowship participates in a drug rehabilitation ministry called “Project One” that sends clients to rehab facilities for several months and helps them find employment as they transition back into society. The church also operates a monthly food bank that feeds hundreds of people. In addition, members do “acts of kindness” several times a year at county events to have a tangible impact by showing the love of GOD.
Presently, outreaches for youth and senior adults are taking place in a five-thousand square foot church in Crestline that was recently donated to Journey Life. Where Journey Life Center leaves off, Pastor Jody Odom’s Ambassadors for Christ Church picks up.
Ambassadors for Christ conducts weekly Bible outreach classes at Harmony House homeless shelter. Reverend Odom also serves as a chaplain in area county jails. This past summer Pastor Odom had a second book on marriage published entitled “I’m Fit to Handle my Marriage, Now Bring It.” Pastor Odom says that the companion book “gives insight on how to handle a spouse with love and how to cover your spouse in prayer.”
When visiting Ambassador for Christ Sunday services at 152 Cline Avenue, occasionally Pastor Odom can be seen painting on a canvas while preaching his sermons. According to Pastor Odom, “Life is a gift, living is an art form, and I connect art with the Bible.”
“In my thirty-six years as lead pastor, I have never seen a time where people are expecting MORE from pastors than ever while CONTRIBUTING LESS to the church and its ministries.”
PASTOR BRUCE PHILIPPI
Both Pastor Philippi and Pastor Odom agree that discipleship and mentorship is vital to develop leaders for the next generation.
“When I was a young man, one role model that made a real impression on me was Bishop Norman Wagner,” says Reverend Odom reminiscing. “I knew him for sixteen years and he always had a passion for GOD and to disciple other leaders. Bishop Wagner was a real statesman for his community.”
Pastor Philippi, who led efforts to bring the “March for Jesus” movement in Mansfield in the early 1990’s, is a chairman of a Sabbatical Support Team for his denomination which encompasses two hundred and forty churches. According to Philippi, “In my thirty-six years as lead pastor, I have never seen a time where people are expecting MORE from pastors than ever while CONTRIBUTING LESS to the church and its ministries. Without a doubt I have seen an increase in ministry stress and burnout.”
Both Odom and Philippi agree wholeheartedly that there are many great clergy who shepherd Richland County and that now is a good time to recognize their efforts.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in the Book of Hebrews, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”
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