AMERICUS — Gandhi coined the phrase, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This statement rings true when it comes to Bud and Faye Womack, senior pastors of Life Point Church in Americus. The Womacks have been in full-time ministry for 20 years serving the Sumter County community faithfully in the church world as well as the local school system, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol.
Bud and Faye Womack took the pastoring position at Heritage Church of God in 1998, with one mission: help all who crossed their path live to their fullest potential in Christ. Like any young family, these two worked tireless hours helping those in need. Whether visiting the sick in the hospital, feeding the hungry, helping the widowed and orphaned, or attending little league games, these two truly love their neighbors and their community.
With any avenue in life, there comes a time when one is stretched and pulled from their comfort zone and experiences the gut-wrenching call of change. “Pastor Bud” decided to embrace this change and all its aftermath. He started by changing the name of Heritage Church of God to Life Point Church, with a newfound mission: pointing all to an abundant life in Christ.
The Womacks utilized this moment to usher in a spark of excitement that resulted in a catalyst for the movement that has begun in Life Point Church. 1 Corinthians 9:22 states, “that we must become all things to all people that we may reach some.” Over their 20 years in ministry the Womacks have seen the merry-go-round effect of the gospel. Some people have stayed true to the course and others drifted off like lost wanderers. Yet, in the back of his mind, Pastor Bud knew there was more — more to life, more to Christianity, more to just existing, and more responsibility for those who lead their community. He understood what it meant to become all things to all people. He learned to sympathize and empathize with people. He knew how to speak the language of those he sought to help.
In a society where everyone is “give me give me give me,” the Womacks knew they needed to change the way people viewed The Church. For too long the world viewed the church as a money-guzzling establishment that was taking from the poor to give to the rich. With that, Pastor Bud knew jumping in that this task was not for the faint of heart, that it would be messy and rewarding at the same time, at it would take hard work and persistence. For the last two decades, Bud and Faye Womack have committed themselves and connected themselves to the community in which they live. They have remained true and faithful when the average joe would have walked out. They have married and buried members; they have consoled grieving parents. They have gone after troubled children; they have baptized hundreds. They have celebrated the recovery of those torn by addiction, and they have reached those who society deemed unreachable. These two people have lead their congregation and community with integrity, passion, and loyalty. Key attributes that you don’t find often enough in people.
As Pastor Appreciation came this year, the congregation at Life Point Church decided to do something out of the norm. Instead of the casual “here’s you certificate of service and a hug,” they decided to honor a family, whose life speaks volumes and models “they will know you are my disciple by the love you have for one another.” Life Point Church did the unimaginable, the blessing of all blessings, and made a mark on their pastoral family: they gave the Womacks a house, deeded to them for their unwavering service and commitment to the people they shepherd with genuine love.
This brings to mind a verse in Luke 6, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” The membership of Life Point Church is not saying the only way to honor a pastor is by buying a house, they are saying to give honor where honor is due in the capacity in which you can give. The Womacks were honored because they sowed bountifully and now they are reaping bountifully. They have honestly put their church and community first in order to fulfill the vision of Life Point Church and because of this genuine connection they have been rewarded so amazingly. Because of their willingness to be used and make things happen for others, God used their congregation to make their hearts’ desire come to pass — a home, a place they call theirs, a place to establish their roots, a place to greet people, a place of hope, a lighthouse for those wandering who need to feel and be loved.
— Submitted by Sabrina Dorrity