Back in the mid to late 1990's, my Pastor Tim Stout of the Heritage FWB Church in Columbus, Ohio once said when he was Pastoring in Bailey, NC; "To have a group of volunteers working in your church and going about doing God's business is a Pastor's dream!"  I did not know much of what he was talking about then as I was in my first Pastorate at a small church near Rocky Mount, NC.  However in my almost 12 years of ministering full time at "The Grove" I certainly now can see exactly what Bro. Tim was saying. 
I thank the Lord for every volunteer that we have here at Pleasant Grove Church.  There is no doubt in my mind that is how God has blessed this church in allowing it to survive since it's inception in 1859.  Just recently we had our annual Fall Bazaar which this year was the main fund raiser for our Church's Lady's Auxiliary.  The vision for the bazaar came several years ago from Marsha Sauls who is actually President of our Lady's Auxiliary.  Each year since 2010 it has been a very successful event during the fall at our church, as well as our annual Spring Auction and BBQ that benefits our building fund which Marsha also had a vision for and leads.  Over the last 3 years the BBQ and auction has brought in nearly $20,000 each year for our church building fund.  Also our Fair Booth that we have each year at The Wayne County Fair goes to benefit our building fund and was envisioned by folks like Terry Aycock, Debbie Howell, Ken and Vickie Jones and several others.  Last year during our second year at our fair booth, one man was saved and today is now a member of our church!!  Thank God for those with vision and for those who can take the ball and roll with it and work for the Kingdom of God like they do!  There are so many others in our church like the volunteers in our Senior Saints Ministry, our Youth Council and also Walter and Elizabeth Fleming in our Sound Booth Area who know how to take the ball and go with it!  All this seems to bring harmony and good fellowship among the brethren and it is truly a "Pastor's Dream!"  As their Pastor, I pray for them as the continue to do as God has called them to do that the gifts they have been given will continue to glorify God and bless us as a church to have an opportunity to minister and reach souls for Jesus Christ!!