Pastor Kirk Packer
I have been the pastor at Jesus Center since 2003. I am also a part time police officer for the City of Sesser. My wife, Niki, and I have been married since 1996 and have five active kids who keep us running between lots of sports and activities. Niki serves the church as the Children’s Ministry leader.
My office displays 3 quotes. Each of these give a snapshot of my heart for ministry and life.
“I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it.”- Thomas Aquinas
My goal is not to just know the meaning of something, my goal is to know Jesus, the one who gives meaning.
“We have somehow got hold of the idea that error is only that which is outrageously wrong; and we do not seem to understand that the most dangerous person of all is the one who does not emphasize the right things.”-D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
I cannot know what to emphasize without the constant direction and impartation from the Holy Spirit. I find it best to leave things in His control. Most of all, myself.
“A Gelding may be compliant and a Stallion dangerous…but only one offers life.” -John Eldredge
Our enemy would rather us all be good little boys and girls, rather than Spirit filled and led as Jesus was. I emphatically reject this idea.
Youth Pastor Marcus Clarry
My wife, Janae, and I have been leading the youth at Jesus Center since 2015. We have four children of our own. God has given both of us a passion for children. Each of us have worked, or are currently working, as social workers in the child welfare field. I am also a volunteer coach at Sesser-Valier High School. We enjoy leading youth into a deeper relationship with Jesus, and helping them to walk through all of the ups and downs of life We believe that equipping our youth with foundational knowledge of the Gospel is essential. Our prayer is that the kids we lead will boldly proclaim the Gospel, and live out the characteristics of Jesus daily.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, the to the Gentile.”
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Elder
George Thompson
My wife, Jana, and I have 3 children (Janae, Janell, and Luke) and 8 grandchildren. My heart is to be a spiritual father to many. I have a passion to rescue the hearts of men and to glorify the Lord.
Psalm 62:1 “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.”
Deacons
I have a heart for the lost and wounded in the prison system. Offender and staff alike, and dream that a place once known for darkness and pain will become a place of hope and healing.
Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of the evil in the heavenly realms.”
Shane Smith
I am a teacher and coach at Sesser- Valier High School. My wife, Bethany, and I have 3 children. My passion is to lead this new generation out of the identities this world gives them and show them who Jesus says they are. My life was eternally changed because men stood up. They showed me who Jesus truly is and walked right along beside me. That is who I desire to be
Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it’s painful! Bu afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
Shane Garner
My wife, April, and I met in veterinary school and married in 2001. We currently own and operate the Sesser Animal Hospital. God has blessed us with a daughter, Emma and a son Wade. Our place in life has been to show the love of God to those around us, both professionally and personally.
Romans 5:3-5....but we also glory in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
John Spence
Mike has a heart for helping people reach their full potential; both physically and spiritually. Mike mentors and trains young boys in physical strength and in the ways of God. His love for the Lord and his family is apparent to all who know him.