The Joy in Ministry at Council Road
by Sue Ellen Ferguson
Our family moved back to Oklahoma City in 1969 and visited Council Road Church. The warm welcome by Pastor Fred Wilhoite and other church members convinced us this was our new church home. We began to build our lives here and have many precious memories of life events in the original fellowship hall and Chapel.
Two of the members, Ruth Ann Cahill and Nancy Coffey, felt led to start a daycare in the old Front Porch by adding some baby beds and equipment from the nursery. This was Nancy’s love and specialty, and the first daytime Childcare Center opened. One day, Ruth Ann cared for my teary-eyed, three-year-old son. When I returned hours later, he was still riding around on her hip.
Our family was transferred to another state for several years, but we returned in 1983. Several ladies and I were inspired to begin the first women’s ministry called Ladies First. There were some great fun and inspirational lunches and retreats for the women that included special guest speakers Beth Moore and Coach Abe Lemmons for men’s night.
Another ministry to women was a weekly Bible study taught by Sharon Huffman for the Red Hawk Baseball wives. Dann Ragan was the team Chaplain and became aware of many needs of the couples. Pastor Mark Hartman met once a week with the men on how to develop a Christ-centered marriage.
When Pastor Rick Thompson came to our church 20 years ago, he inspired us to begin a Celebrate Recovery Ministry. During this time, we have praised God for life change through the study of His word for hundreds of “those Friday night people.” It brings tears to my eyes to think of these precious people who come so transparently to the throne of God for redemption.
Because of confidentiality requirements of all who attend, I can only share the names of those who have left the darkness and are now sharing the light of Christ as leaders. Ricky Z and his wife, Amy, are incredible leaders in our Celebrate Recovery group. And we’ve had around 400 graduates who have completed the 12-step study, which is a year-long course based on the Beatitudes Scripture and overcoming habits, hurts and hang-ups.
Thank you, Pastor Rick, and many in our Council Road family, for your love and tremendous support for this ministry through the years. We are here every Friday night. Come for the fellowship, support, encouragement, praise time and inspiration to live a life that honors Christ. We are here for you. “You need us, and we need you.”
Author Bio
Sue Ellen has been a member of Council Road since 1969. In that time, she has taught children, students and young adults, along with leading the Women’s Ministry and Celebrate Recovery. She loves to use her collection of hats to further the story of the grace of God. She has two adult children and one granddaughter.