CLINTON, Md. — Clinton Baptist Church had a special service on January 15. They licensed Minister Marvin McGill Jr.; ordained Caleb Timmons and Xavier Driggins; and installed four new trustees: Loren Castell, Sherres Fod, Nathaniel Jones and Debora Boydo-Oke, following a rigorous residency program.

Pastor Colin Pugh (center) with new deacons Xavier Driggins and Deacon Caleb Timmons. (photo submitted)
Senior Pastor Colin Pugh said, “This is an exciting time because it reflects the growth we have at Clinton and the need for more leadership.”
Pugh told the congregation that the church was growing, and as he prayed, God showed him they needed more leaders. “God was giving me a list of people to add to our leadership team.” He called those on the list, shared with them about possibly serving in leadership, and asked them to pray and let him know if they felt God was calling them. Those who felt they were indeed being led to serve underwent an extensive training/residency program designed by Pugh. For all of 2024, the candidates, using booklets prepared by Pugh, met for almost two hours every Monday evening to learn the roles of trustees, deacons, ministers, and pastors. In addition to doctrine, Pugh stressed character training, integrity, and servanthood. The new leaders were also paired with others already in their roles for more hands-on training and encouragement. “They were committed,” Pugh said, adding, “I want these leaders to understand this is a spiritual calling.”

Newly licensed Minister Marvin McGill Jr. with Pastor Colin Pugh. (photo submitted)
Pugh shared Jesus’ example of servant leadership and said, “We are in a time when no one wants to serve, but everyone wants to be served. Those who have been called here (addressing the new leaders) do not fall into this category. They have accepted the challenge to serve God as God has called them to serve.”
Church members prayed for the new leaders.

(l-r) New Trustee Nathaniel Jones, Debora Boyd-Oke, Sherres Ford, and Loren Castell. (photo submitted)
The BCM/D will have a Church Leaders Conference on Aug. 7-8 at Riva Trace Baptist Church. Various training sessions will be available for church leaders and their teams. Visit our website to learn more.