Vital Conversations: Lessons Learned from the Margins

Name: Yul Miller

Spouse: Angela

Kids/Grandkids: Abigail and Amelia

Church: Grace Fellowship, Lebanon, VA

How long have you pastored this church? 20+ years

Other churches you have served? I served in many areas of ministry at the Honaker Church of God before church planting Grace Fellowship in 2005.

1. How has God confirmed His calling on your life? Initially, I struggled with God calling me into the ministry. I was concerned whether it was truly the Lord. But I learned that God calls and we must answer. Once I surrendered, He’s been faithful to confirm His call time and time again.

2. How has God proven His faithfulness in your ministry? Being a pastor of a church plant certainly has had its challenges. Many times, one wonderswhen or if the plant will grow. But God has proven He is faithful to the calling. We’ve seen God provide several buildings, a new construction, andgrowth over the years. He’s been faithful through both the challenges and victories.

3. Why do you enjoy pastoring your local congregation? People. We love serving people, some we have had the privilege of serving for over 20 years. They truly are our family.

4. Why is your local congregation vital to your community? We offer hope.Certainly, we do community outreach, offer events to give back to the community throughout the year; but what we mostly offer is communicating that God loves them and has a future and a hope for everyone.

5. What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from a misstep or mistake in handling a situation? Patience is a virtue. There have been times when waiting on the Lord is not convenient or ideal. But He has proven that those who wait upon the Lord most definitely will have renewed strength.

6. Have you had to think “outside the box” to accomplish a task or mission in the church and what was it? Early in our ministry we rented a building that provided space for a sanctuary, one classroom, and one bathroom. As we grew and needed more space, we were able to rent a house across the street to provide classrooms and a fellowship hall. While a residential house is not set up for church activities, we made it work.

7. What are some of the future ministry goals for your church? We want to continue to see souls saved and families become stronger in the Lord. We desire to continue to build the family foundation as a strong point in our community by offering education/discipleship and classes for men, women, youth, and help support and strengthen the family structure.

VITAL Conversations with Pastor Yul & Angela Miller