Lakeview Church of the Nazarene
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Making Christlike Disciples in Western North Carolina

Pastor Tim

Pastor Tim Pullin arrived at Lakeview on July 12, 2000 with his wife Karen and son John.

        

Pastor Tim is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served in South Dakota and England, and a 1991 graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN with a B.A. in Religion.  He has served in ministry full-time since January of 1991.  "PT", as he is often called, loves to play (Trumpet, piano, and guitar) write and sing music.  He has served as a music minister for 3 years and as senior pastor for 17 years.
 
Here is a greeting from Pastor Tim:
 
Greetings in the name of our victorious and soon-coming Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
Serving as the pastor of Lakeview Church for the last 11 years has become one of my life's most challenging and most rewarding endeavors.  The friendships and collegiality that have been built in that time are truly the "lifelong" type.  In the time I have been here, we have been through some very good times and some very challenging times.  We have said some sad farewells to some who have moved on to other locations, or other churches, and some to their Heavenly reward.  And we have welcomed many new friends who have become integral parts of Lakeview and her multifaceted ministry.
If I was asked to summarize the basic character of Lakeviewers, I would have to say that their most noticeable quality is that of generosity.  Whether it is by caring for people by taking them into one's home during a difficult time, or by sharing materially with those across town, across the state or around the world, Lakeviewers have truly "been there and done that".  As I write this, the Christmas season is winding down and I can honestly say that Lakeviewers have done everything that anyone could reasonably ask them to do by way of caring for the needy around them.  
  • They have participated in Operation Christmas Child, collecting over 20 boxes for children we will likely never meet this side of Heaven.  
  • They have adopted an "angel" from the local Department of Social Services and provided a bountiful Christmas for a needy teenager.  
  • They have volunteered to ring bells for the local Salvation Army to help raise funds for those in need.
  • They gave food and funds generously to the support of one of our fellow district parsonage families.  
  • They gave to the support of a Nazarene child on the other side of the world.  
  • They have visited the sick and the imprisoned in our own community and carried on a correspondence ministry to inmates in prisons across the state of North Carolina.  
  • And they have joined in a prayer vigil for a man in another state who is battling lung cancer.  
Meanwhile they participated in traditional seasonal activities like
  • a delicious Thanksgiving Banquet;
  • Decking the halls of our church for the Christmas Season
  • entering a unit in the local Christmas Parade;
  • celebrating "Christmas Around the World" as part of the annual Christmas party;
  • and presenting a meaningful Christmas Cantata entitled "Hope is Born" compiled and directed by "yours truly".  
All of that in the last month!  And as breathless as all of that leaves me, I have to say that it is really not all that unusual of a month. But that is a snapshot of what life is like here at Lakeview.  And while at times it stretches one's energy level, it is always a joy because Lakeviewers are such a positive bunch of people.
That is not to say that Lakeviewers live charmed lives free of difficulty or personal issues.  As pastor for 11+ years, I can assure you every family, if not every person deals with significant life-issues from time to time and many do so on an on-going basis.  But as we have become accustomed to affirming, we have found that "God is good - all the time."  Jesus, Himself, promised us that "In this world, you will have trouble, but do not be afraid for I have overcome the world."  And we have found time and again that His presence in our lives at such times is the difference-maker.
God alone knows what the future holds for Lakeview.  But we believe that God who has made Himself known to us through His Word, through His Son, Jesus and through His Spirit, Who also desires to make Himself known to our world through us, will take care of us no matter what that future may be.  With our hands firmly clutching His, we walk boldly into that future in the strong assurance that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him.  If you are looking for a place to call your church home, consider Lakeview. Many have done so to their soul's delight.  If you are visiting or travelling through the area, stop by and worship our wonderful Creator and Savior with us during one of our worship or study times.  You will be glad you did.  I know that I am!  I look forward to seeing you there.
 
In His love,
 
Tim Pullin
Pastor