A little while ago I was startled with the realization I’ve been a pastoring since February of 1999. Time has flown by. There has been a lot of encouraging and good times, but what really seems to stand out is the struggles I’ve had. For that matter the struggles the church has had.
Let me introduce myself. I’m Gary Fuhrer, the pastor of Souls Harbor church in Rockford Illinois. I am the husband of my first and only wife and a dad to my 4 children. The two boys flank the girls. I have never attended seminary, and sometimes wonder if I should have. I work a full time job, I’m taking college courses as often as I can, and I have a love for the outdoors. I hate being boxed in the house. On top of all of this I also pastor a church.
I call it a small church, but truth is it could be considered a micro church. We’ve had as few as 5 members, and never more than 40. The church is 34 years old and it seems to insist on being small. There are challenges to small churches, but there are also great victories in them too. I’ve started this blog with hopes of forming a community of people who are in these small churches. I want to instill pride in serving where God has you, as well as encourage you to continue on.
I feel like I’ve pastored for a long time. I’ve actually been with this church for over since the early ’80s, but I’ve only pastored since 1999. I have some tales to tell. I think you’ll find a lot of the challenges are familiar. I will not give you the true names of people, but the characteristics will speak for themselves. I may even use the John Bunyan style and give people the names of the character best suited them. Let these stories entertain you, but more than that let them encourage you that you are not alone.
I also want to give my perspective on a lot of things. Then I want to hear what you think also. I’d love for this to be a place for everyone to share, receive, and give help to each other.
I hope to be of help, and if there’s anyway I can serve you through this endeavor, just let me know.

Yours in Christ,
Gary