“Every truth of God should be validated by the congregation and by the people who you plan to put in rule of that congregation,” Hawkins stated. “It’s important for you to know that God is in control of this congregation, not one man and one person.”
After Jonathan agreed to all the charges from the elders, Hawkins led a prayer for him as the elders gathered round and laid hands on their new lead pastor. “This is representative that all of the church is standing with you and for you,” said Hawkins.
After the charges, there followed a time for appreciating Dr. Tony Evans’ late wife, Dr. Lois Evans. Jonathan’s sisters, Priscilla Shirer and Chrystal Evans Hurst, came on stage and also honored Jonathan’s wife, First Lady Kinika Evans. Mothers of the church presented Kinika with flowers as Hurst read the words of Lois Evans to her, “A Declaration for Pastors’ Wives.”
Jonathan and Kinika’s children came on stage also and received a charge from Hurst to live well as the pastor’s children. Lead Associate Pastor Bobby Gibson then gave an exhortation to the congregation from 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Hebrews 13:17. He urged the church to pray for Jonathan and his family, to be patient with him, not to complain, and to follow Jonathan’s leadership.
Finally, Jonathan Evans himself addressed the church, saying he was “feeling everything.” He thanked his dad, saying, “You’re a good father and I’m grateful that that’s one title that will never change or shift.”
Jonathan went on to thank his siblings, his children, his wife, his extended family, and the elders and congregation, as well as thanking everyone for supporting his dad during his dad’s next season. The new lead pastor closed by quoting Joshua 1:3 and offering a prayer.
