Vital Conversations: Lessons Learned from the Margins.

Name: Philip Buttery

Spouse: Erin Buttery

Kids/Grandkids: Ryan, Jonathan, Rachel, Jacob

Church:Wilderness Creek Church of God

How long have you pastored this church? 17 years

Other churches you have served? None

1. How has God confirmed His calling on your life?

God has confirmed His calling on my life many times over. The call to preach came early in my teenage life. Through the years, God has given me multiple opportunities to share the gospel in church and on mission trips. I would like to think that confirmation of God’s call has been the change in the countless lives that have received the gospel message through salvation, and people who are using their gifts in the world to reach others.

2. How has God proven His faithfulness in your ministry?

God has always taken care of the church and me. Many times, God has showed up and provided for a need that the church/myself has had. Since we started at Wilderness Creek, we have continued to have a problem with water coming in our basement. We worked with a contractor to fix the problem. The church didn’t have the money, so we were going to fundraise. Along came COVID. We couldn’t do anything. We found ourselves wondering how we were going to pay off this need. Many folks gave, other churches heard of our need and helped. I was called into a church office, where it was asked what was needed, they wanted to pay off the balance. Praise God! I have always felt that if I would take the step, God would provide.

3. Why do you enjoy pastoring your local congregation?

I am called to connect with people. Ministry is people connection. Connection with their needs, personalities, callings, and hearts. Everyone is different and unique. What I have enjoyed the most is engaging people to be a part of the ministry in a big or small way.

4. Why is your local congregation vital to your community?

Wilderness Creek is vital to the community to share the gospel and hope. People need a place to connect; that place is the church. It’s the one place that you can see people being used by God and serving others to spread hope!

5. What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from a misstep or mistake in handling a situation?

If you feel like you should do something, you had better do it. Listen to what God is speaking into your spirit. An opportunity to share the gospel or to speak hope may only come once. I don’t have the luxury of being too busy to do what God is laying on my heart.

6. Have you had to think “outside the box” to accomplish a task or mission in the church and what was it?

Being in a small church in a small community means always thinking outside the box to be relevant in sharing the Gospel. I would have to say sometimes the most “outside the box” idea is to just be consistent. Much of our focus has been on the youth, because they are the church of today. One way we have seen our Wednesday night service expand is by picking up kids from Bible Club at the local elementary school and bringing them to church. Giving mom and dad a few extra minutes between work and church, where dinner is prepared. The atmosphere on Wednesday with dinner and worship is different, being a personal setting for fellowship and the word to be shared.

7. What are some of the future ministry goals for your church?

Engaging more of the church body in the ministry! Every member is a missionary. We recently put together a group of young people for skits and dramas. The Lord used them and laid on my heart to form other groups for praise and worship dance. Our church has grown and needs additional space for parking, worship, and fellowship. We believe that God will provide as He continues to expand the reach of the Wilderness Creek Church!

VITAL Conversations with Pastor Philip & Erin Buttery