Honoring Pastor Hampton: A Legacy of Faith and Leadership

 

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gather to celebrate the life and ministry of Pastor Kennedy Hampton, a faithful servant and shepherd of our church. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, we are reminded to honor and esteem those who labor among us in the Lord. Pastor Hampton has not only continued the legacy of his father, G.W. Hampton, but has also brought Shiloh into the 21st century with a spirit of excellence and unwavering faith in Christ Jesus. His leadership has been marked by significant improvements to our church facilities, a steadfast commitment to keeping the church open during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a dedication to delivering the Word of God with freshness and relevancy each Sunday.

Pastor Hampton's role as a shepherd is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of a pastor as a faithful steward of God's resources and Christ's flock. He is committed to feeding, protecting, leading, and admonishing the sheep under his care. Despite the heavy responsibilities and personal challenges he faces, he remains dedicated to his calling, never allowing his personal issues to interfere with his ministry.

We are encouraged to show our appreciation for Pastor Hampton not just on this special day, but every day. This can be done by acknowledging his uniqueness, lifting him up in prayer, following his leadership, and expressing our gratitude for his tireless efforts. As we honor him, we also bless ourselves and the God who brought him to us. Pastor Hampton's courage, close walk with God, and anointing make him an exceptional leader who is not afraid to address difficult issues and meet us where we are.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Legacy of Faith: Pastor Kennedy Hampton has built upon the strong foundation of faith laid by his father, G.W. Hampton. His unwavering belief that he can do all things through Christ has enabled him to lead Shiloh with excellence and bring about significant improvements to our church facilities. This legacy of faith is a testament to the power of trusting in God and persevering through challenges. [45:44]

2. The Role of a Shepherd: A pastor is a faithful steward of God's resources and Christ's flock. Pastor Hampton exemplifies this role by feeding, protecting, leading, and admonishing the sheep under his care. His commitment to God and his congregation is evident in his tireless efforts to deliver the Word of God with freshness and relevancy each Sunday. [50:20]

3. Appreciation and Support: It is important to show our appreciation for Pastor Hampton not just on special occasions, but every day. We can do this by acknowledging his uniqueness, lifting him up in prayer, and expressing our gratitude for his tireless efforts. By doing so, we bless ourselves and the God who brought him to us. [51:47]

4. Facing Challenges with Faith: Pastor Hampton's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated his unwavering faith in God. Instead of closing the church, he followed CDC guidelines and continued to provide a worship experience for the congregation. His actions remind us that faith in God can help us navigate even the most challenging circumstances. [46:58]

5. The High Calling of a Pastor: The call of a pastor is a high calling that requires courage, dedication, and a close walk with God. Pastor Hampton's willingness to address difficult issues and meet us where we are is a testament to his commitment to his calling. His leadership challenges us to strive for excellence in our own lives and to support those who lead us. [55:39]

### Youtube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[44:19] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
[45:44] - Legacy of G.W. Hampton
[46:58] - Modernizing the Church
[48:12] - Faith During COVID-19
[49:17] - The Role of a Pastor
[50:20] - Shepherding the Flock
[51:47] - Showing Appreciation
[52:45] - Esteeming Our Pastor
[53:25] - Supporting Our Pastor
[54:13] - Celebrating Pastor Hampton
[55:09] - Blessing the Pastor
[55:39] - The High Calling of a Pastor
[56:12] - Courage and Anointing
[56:51] - Inspirational Quote
[01:20:12] - General Offering and Anniversary March

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV): "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific improvements did Pastor Hampton make to the church facilities? ([46:58])
2. How did Pastor Hampton handle the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic? ([48:12])
3. According to the sermon, what are the key responsibilities of a pastor as a shepherd? ([50:20])
4. What are some ways the congregation can show appreciation for Pastor Hampton on a daily basis? ([51:47])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to honor and esteem those who labor among us in the Lord, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13? How does this apply to Pastor Hampton's leadership? ([44:19])
2. How does Pastor Hampton's unwavering faith during the COVID-19 pandemic serve as an example for the congregation? ([48:12])
3. What does it mean for a pastor to be a "faithful steward" of God's resources and Christ's flock? How does Pastor Hampton exemplify this role? ([50:20])
4. In what ways does showing appreciation for our pastor bless both the congregation and God? ([54:46])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Pastor Hampton's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. How can you apply his example of faith and resilience to a current challenge in your own life? ([48:12])
2. Pastor Hampton is described as a unique and dedicated leader. How can you personally acknowledge and support his uniqueness in your daily interactions? ([51:47])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of lifting Pastor Hampton up in prayer. How can you incorporate praying for him into your regular prayer routine? ([52:45])
4. Pastor Hampton's role as a shepherd involves feeding, protecting, leading, and admonishing the flock. How can you support him in these responsibilities through your own actions and service in the church? ([50:20])
5. The sermon encourages us to express our gratitude for Pastor Hampton's tireless efforts. What specific actions can you take this week to show your appreciation for his leadership? ([54:13])
6. Reflect on the idea that blessing the pastor also blesses the congregation and God. How can you contribute to creating a culture of appreciation and support within the church community? ([54:46])
7. Pastor Hampton's courage to address difficult issues is highlighted in the sermon. How can you apply this courage in your own life when facing challenging situations or conversations? ([55:39])

Devotional

Day 1: Building on a Legacy of Faith
Pastor Kennedy Hampton has built upon the strong foundation of faith laid by his father, G.W. Hampton. His unwavering belief that he can do all things through Christ has enabled him to lead Shiloh with excellence and bring about significant improvements to our church facilities. This legacy of faith is a testament to the power of trusting in God and persevering through challenges. [45:44]

Bible Passage:
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection:
Think about a spiritual mentor or leader in your life. How can you honor their legacy by applying their teachings and faith in your own life today?


Day 2: The Role of a Shepherd
A pastor is a faithful steward of God's resources and Christ's flock. Pastor Hampton exemplifies this role by feeding, protecting, leading, and admonishing the sheep under his care. His commitment to God and his congregation is evident in his tireless efforts to deliver the Word of God with freshness and relevancy each Sunday. [50:20]

Bible Passage:
"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly." (1 Peter 5:2, ESV)

Reflection:
Consider the ways in which you can support and encourage your spiritual leaders. What specific actions can you take this week to show your appreciation and support for their ministry?


Day 3: Showing Appreciation and Support
It is important to show our appreciation for Pastor Hampton not just on special occasions, but every day. We can do this by acknowledging his uniqueness, lifting him up in prayer, and expressing our gratitude for his tireless efforts. By doing so, we bless ourselves and the God who brought him to us. [51:47]

Bible Passage:
"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify one specific way you can express your gratitude to your pastor or spiritual leader today. How can you make this a regular practice in your life?


Day 4: Facing Challenges with Faith
Pastor Hampton's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated his unwavering faith in God. Instead of closing the church, he followed CDC guidelines and continued to provide a worship experience for the congregation. His actions remind us that faith in God can help us navigate even the most challenging circumstances. [46:58]

Bible Passage:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith in God help you navigate through it? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in future challenges?


Day 5: The High Calling of a Pastor
The call of a pastor is a high calling that requires courage, dedication, and a close walk with God. Pastor Hampton's willingness to address difficult issues and meet us where we are is a testament to his commitment to his calling. His leadership challenges us to strive for excellence in our own lives and to support those who lead us. [55:39]

Bible Passage:
"Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." (1 Timothy 3:2, ESV)

Reflection:
Think about the qualities of a good leader. How can you cultivate these qualities in your own life and support those who exhibit them in your community?

Quotes

1. "When we hear the name... of G.W. Hampton, and to those who may never have had the chance to meet him, you may only recognize the name and that of the late founder and pastor of Shiloh, the father of our current pastor, Kennedy Hampton. To the few of us that are still around, Sister Hollis, myself, and maybe a couple others, who knew him with a strong faith, convictions, trust in God without a shadow of a doubt, and that faith allowed him to overcome the many obstacles that the enemy put in his way." [44:19] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "Pastor Hampton came in with a faith in Christ that he believed that he could do all things through Christ Jesus. That there was nothing impossible. Nor too hard for the God he served and set about working to bring Shiloh into the 21st century through a spirit of excellence. All we have to do is look around the sanctuary and the church grounds to see what has been brought under his leadership, Margaret." [45:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "When COVID hit, instead of closing down the church as a lot of others did, he believed that the God he served was the God who could do everything he could to honor our efforts to continue service, first by turning the lower sanctuary hall into our worship area, especially when the furnace went out, and then by following the CDC guidelines for gathering together in the main sanctuary." [47:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "Our accomplishments are due to his faith in Christ Jesus and his work ethic, which shows him to be a forward-thinking, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, self-reliant, 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