Our pastor, Joe Talhelm, (also known as Pastor "T") began his ministry here at our church January of 1992.  He has been a minister of the Church of the Nazarene for 30 years, beginning in 1979 when he felt the call to preach while attending the Southport Church of the Nazarene (Indianapolis, IN).  Since following that call his ministry has taken him to four churches:

- Associate Pastor at the Shelbyville First Church of the Nazarene(Shelbyville, IN) for 3 years;  
- Pastor at the Walter's Chapel Church of the Nazarene (Franklin, IN) for 5 years;  
- Pastor at the East Grand Church of the Nazarene(Springfield, MO) for 5 years; 
and presently Pastoring our church here in Crowley, LA for the past 17 years.

Pastor "T" was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene at the Indianapolis DistrictAssembly in 1987.  He has filled many district positions on the Joplin& LouisianaDistricts and currently serves as the District Secretary of the Louisiana District.

Pastor "T" married Becky O'Neal in November of 1978.  They have one son, Andy and one daughter, Anne (who is married to Josh Hermann).  No grandchildren yet, but they do have a Chocolate Labrador named "Bear" and a Cocker Spaniel named "Sandy".  

They have enjoyed living in Southern Louisiana all these years and hope they can continue to do so and eventually retire here in the Ebenezer area - also known as 'the holy land'.

Some of the highlights of the past 17 years

60 Baby or Children Dedications (Christenings)*
"Then there were brought to him little children that he might lay his hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked them. 
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and do not hinder them from coming to me; for the kingdom of the heavens is of such: 
and having laid his hands upon them, he departed thence."
Matt 19:13-15

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48 Baptisms*
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
Mark 16:16

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76 Weddings*
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Genesis 2:24

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110 New Members to the Church (85) & (25 transfers)*
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them
(the church) about three thousand souls."
Acts 2:41

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69 Funerals*
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
Psalms 116:15

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* FOR A LISTING OF ALL THOSE IN THIS CATEGORY, PLEASE CONTACT US AT:  Mail.EbenezerCON@yahoo.com

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