Via video, congratulations poured in from church leaders throughout the country and world. Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, said Summerlin has been “one of my greatest encouragers in ministry.”
Kevin Ezell, a graduate of Lone Oak High School who now serves as North American Mission Board president, thanked Summerlin for supporting missions work. “Truly the impact of your legacy will not be known this side of eternity,” said Ezell.
At his retirement celebration, Summerlin thanked attendees for their love and support. He described his next steps as being “a professional grandparent, an interim pastor, a seminary professor, or a trainer and equipper of young men for pastoral ministries.” Summerlin and his wife, Eileen, have two adult children.
For the past 15 years, Summerlin has met monthly with young pastors “to mentor and to learn from them.” On social media last month, he posted, “The names and faces may have changed but the passion and commitment remains the same.”