Rev. Dr. Cheryl Henson
Associate Minister assigned to Area I, Church Revitalization Academy, PCL Continuing Education, Seminary Liason, NCD
815-986-7932
Area1grr@comcast.net 

In the video below, fellow staff member Randy McNeely interviews Cheryl Henson concerning her faith pilgrimage.

I am a “B&R”, which stand for “Born and Raised” American Baptist. The middle child of five, I was taken to church the very first Sunday after my birth. My first memories are of Betty Spees, my teacher in the 2 & 3 year old department. Upon my arrival she would greet me with a hug and a smile. We would put our offering in the tiny wooden church and the lesson would always be, “God is Love.” Week after week my formative years were spent leaning how much God loves me.

In my teen years the dominant lesson became, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” Adapted from the “Four Spiritual Laws” our youth group lived, breathed and sang about God’s plan for our lives. At fifteen, far from home, I encountered God personally as I prayed throughout the early morning hours. I returned home determined to give my life to God in “Full-time Christian Service.” As I look back on those years. I realize what an important part the church people played in the development of my faith. Yes, my parents played a part. Yes, my pastors had an influence. In reality it was the progression of Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, and laity who surrounded me with love and the basic foundations of faith, who helped me become the pastor I am today.

My favorite song when I was in Youth Choir at First Baptist Church of Keokuk, Iowa, was “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love.” Love was truly what I experienced in my church as I grew up. It is true of your church today? God’s love is a priceless gift that we as American Baptists must share with our world.