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I thank the Lord for sending us gifted, Christ-like pastoral leaders. Scott is certainly one of those. Beyond that, Scott is an exceptional coach. A Godly teacher instructs and leads from ahead. A compassionate, wise, and spirit-lead coach walks by our side and ministers to our individual needs. That is what Scott has been to me. He has patiently and prayerfully examined my needs and has lead me on the journey to be a more passionate, fruitful servant of the Lord.
Scott is a man and pastor who understands the depths of what pastors go through in all areas of ministry, and life in general. Scott walked with me as a pastor during some difficult and dark days. He is a man of grace, support and encouragement through whatever someone might be going through. Pastors are often overlooked in the day-to-day journey of life, and rarely be-friended. Scott is what I call the “real deal,” and I am thankful for his love, acceptance and grace he poured out with me. His heart and love for pastors is very evident and I’m thankful for his ongoing friendship and support.”
Especially as a fellow Pastor, I thank God for Scott and his deep desire to bring practical encouragement to Christ-following leaders on the “front lines.” He’s come alongside many like me with clear wisdom and genuine compassion.
Scott and I got connected in a pastors’ prayer group for our city and I noticed his wisdom and guidance for us other pastors early on in our time together as a group. I later sat down with with him over coffee a few times, which just affirmed my initial assessment of his gifts. I’ve got pages and pages of notes from our times together concerning my own spiritual walk and possible next steps in my leadership roles. What a gift Scott is to the Body of Christ!
As a divorced mother with a “prodigal” son, Scott was one of the few men I knew who did not shy away from these topics with me. Prior to meeting Scott, my experience seeking counsel from church leaders left me disappointed, not because these others didn’t care, but most likely because they didn’t have the gifting to enter in to these murky waters. Scott, whose daughters were still elementary-school aged, did not pretend to know what it’s like to live with rebellious teenagers or to have young adult children who have chosen a different path in life. He did not give me platitudes or pat answers. He did, however, listen with empathy, cry with me, encourage me from his heart and from God’s word, and pray with me. He helped me believe that my cries to the Lord were not in vain, and after more than three years, I am seeing that belief and persistence come to fruition. For that, I will be forever grateful.
Scott has believed in me when I haven’t believed in myself. He looks at my heart, and not my faults. He has an amazing God-given ability to get at the issues “behind” the issues. Once exposed, these issues can be dealt with, providing deeper insights into who I am and how God wired me. He has demonstrated grace toward me in ways that I have never before experienced. He has helped me to believe in myself again. As pastor, counselor, ally, and friend, Scott has truly coached me through my “stuff,” and in my walk with God.
Scott and I have served and prayed together in and for our city. In his faithful support of the pastors in Littleton, I’ve been regularly challenged and encouraged by his clear-eyed insight: Scott has the ability to discern the “acceptable idolatry” Christians and Pastors often overlook, and gives us encouragement to walk the narrow road. His heart for pastors and their health is obvious.
As a business leader, I know that we need to tend to our own development, so that we can faithfully and effectively lead others. What about pastors and ministry leaders? Scott Vermillion has a wealth of insight as a great pastor, ministry leader, and listener. He knows the Lord’s agenda. He knows the stressors that can get in the way of following Christ in our own lives, and leading the flock along the narrow path of faith. God has invested in you, and you are investing in others. Are you investing in yourself?
Scott is gifted at listening and synthesizing in order to gain new perspective and Scriptural principles to the situations I seek counsel on. He has provided me with both options and courage as I’ve wrestled with leading a church in North Carolina. God is using Scott and Awaken Ministry to help countless pastors and churches grow in Christ-likeness.
I thank the Lord for sending us gifted, Christ-like pastoral leaders. Scott is certainly one of those. Beyond that, Scott is an exceptional coach. A Godly teacher instructs and leads from ahead. A compassionate, wise, and spirit-lead coach walks by our side and ministers to our individual needs. That is what Scott has been to me. He has patiently and prayerfully examined my needs and has lead me on the journey to be a more passionate, fruitful servant of the Lord.
- Sekou Jones, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner