Meet SCBO President, Adam Pursel
Tell us a little bit about your family and where you’re from.
I was born and raised in Mount Vernon. Molly and I were married in July of 2007. We have been blessed with 4 kids – 2 sons and 2 daughters. We currently have two teenagers and two in elementary school…we’re busy!
When did you meet Jesus?
I met Jesus when I was in graduate school pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics. I’d love to tell you the story sometime. The short version is that I was raised in a Christian home, I was an atheist in college, and I met Jesus in the Fall/Winter of 2001.
I was doing a self-chosen research project so that I could tell my parents that I was never going to go to church with them again. The project was to read their stupid book from cover to cover (which is what I thought about the Bible at the time.)
But I had no idea what I was getting into. As I read the Word, I came to realize that what I was reading was true. For the first time in my life, I experienced something that all my rationality couldn’t deny…when I would read that book, something was happening. I know now that the “something” was really a “Someone.” I was experiencing God’s presence. Eventually, I knew two things to be true: Jesus is God, and I have to give myself to Him.
If you’re reading this, I really hope you’ve met Jesus too. If you’re not sure, I’d love to help.
What is one of your favorite Bible verses?
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
What is your current role with Lifepoint Church? How long have you been on staff there?
I am currently the Lead Pastor of Lifepoint Church, Mt. Vernon. My wife and I moved to Mount Vernon to plant this church in 2012. We launched on February 17, 2013, in the local movie theater.
How do you hope your ministry will impact people?
I want to help people meet Jesus and love Him. I hope God uses me to help people increasingly worship Christ, trust Him, obey Him, and experience His joy and peace.
What experience/education/training has helped prepare you for your current role?
I think my academic background in math and physics gave me a great foundation for work in the church. I also think that spending five years as a high school math teacher (also coaching football, basketball, and track) really helped me prepare for ministry.
In terms of education and training, I have an MA in Theological Studies from Liberty University. I am a licensed marriage counselor through Prepare/Enrich. I am a professionally trained executive coach, and I lead coaching for SEND Columbus church planting.
What are some of your favorite shows, books, movies, music, etc?
So many!
We like Seinfeld and The Office.
I love reading, it’s hard to pick just a few books…I enjoy spy novels. I love almost everything C.S. Lewis has written, especially Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. I’m a big Tim Keller fan as well.
For movies, I like action. Things like the Jason Bourne series or war movies.
For music, I’m eclectic. I love 90’s alt-rock, but I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t love 80’s pop or Led Zeppelin or Switchfoot or Luke Combs.
What do you do for fun?
I love to spend time with family and friends. I’m competitive, so all the better if there’s a game with winners and losers. I like sports, especially football and basketball. I’m trying to learn to like golf. I like to be outside, especially in the woods. I love to learn, so I read a lot.
Finally, how do you hope the SCBO is impacted by your presidency?
It’s incredibly humbling to get to serve as the SCBO president. Some of our churches are thriving, but many are struggling with challenges that seem insurmountable. If my presidency goes like I hope, then we will see two things across our state among our churches:
1. An increased confidence that God intends to use my church to impact my community. God’s not done in Ohio, and He’s not done with your church!
2. An increased commitment to evangelism. God has commanded His people to share His gospel with a lost world. Our non-Christian friends, neighbors, and co-workers desperately need to know Jesus Christ. Are we willing to do what it takes to reach them?