The Rev. Dr. Lou Shirey Named Director of Clergy Development/iWIN--IPHC Retired Army Chaplain Assumes New Duty in January 2011
The Rev. Dr. Lou Shirey, Chaplain (Colonel), USA (Ret.) has been selected as the new director of Clergy Development/iWIN.
Dr. Shirey is an ordained IPHC minister in the Alpha Conference (formerly Alabama Conference) who holds the M. Div. and the D. Min. degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. He served 26 years as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of colonel. As a senior chaplain, he was responsible for all religious programs and supervised 15 worship services on the Army post where he served.
“Clergy Development is a much-needed and long-awaited ministry in the IPHC which focuses on equipping and maturing godly leaders,” said Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter Sr. The new clergy development program, called The Shepherd’s Path, provides paths of development in the minister’s personal life, relationship with God, service as a minister, and physical well-being. “It is a holistic approach to ‘healthier’ ministers which will subsequently produce healthier churches,” said Bishop Carpenter.
Dr. Shirey will fill the vacancy left by the Rev. Mr. Terry Fowler, who is now chief of staff at the Global Ministry Center. The Executive Committee and Council of Bishops wish to commend Rev. Fowler for his excellent work in establishing the foundation for an effective clergy development program in the IPHC.
Dr. Shirey begins his duties January 1, 2011.
[Editor's comment: I have know Lou Shirey all of his life. I have followed his career as an Army chaplain with great interest. Prior to his retirement, Lou served as a member of the Chaplains Ministries, IPHC Board and added immeasurably to our chaplaincy ministry.
Melvine and I were privileged to attend Lou Shirey's retirement ceremony at Fort Polk, Louisiana. His dear parents were still alive, Chaplain (Colonel) Ervin L. and Miss Millie Shirey, Sr., and were present, along with his sister, Wanza, and Lou and Becky Shirey's adult children.
It was at the retirement banquet that the commanding general of Fort Polk came up to me to tell him that Lou Shirey was the finest chaplain with whom he had ever worked. He went on to tell me of the significant role that Chaplain Shirey played in bringing a dysfunctional Army post together by his loving and caring approach to the men and women of all units on the post. The result of his ministry as the command chaplain brought about a transformation in attitudes of Army commissioned and non-commissioned officers with a new regard and respect for others. The communications that followed with a spirit of cooperation enabled Fort Polk to rise again to a prominent leadership position in the training of soldiers in the Army.
Following Lou Shirey's retirement, he was offered a full scholarship to pursue the Doctor of Ministry degree at Asbury Theological Seminary. Lou accepted the highly prized Beason Scholarship and successfully finished all the requirements to be awarded the D. Min. degree.
The primary focus of this doctoral degree program is:
* stronger Biblical Preaching.
* greater Effectiveness as a Leader.
* new Insights of Personal Spiritual Formation.
The Beeson Pastor experience at Asbury Theological Seminary is an unparalleled opportunity for a select group of pastors who have demonstrated leadership and preaching ability and who are eager to gain greater skills and vision toward building a great congregation.
It is my delight and pleasure to make this announcement to you about Dr. Lou Shirey's new appointment as the Director of Clergy Development/iWIN for the IPHC. Let me congratulate Becky Shirey as well. She is an international leader in Protestant Women of the Chapel, and is a noted speaker and pianist. Becky is the wind beneath Lou's wings.
May God grant them favor and success in this new ministry He is now giving them.]
Posted on
Mon, November 29, 2010
by Hugh Morgan