Short sermons are forte of Rev. Carl Helm
Staff writer
The Rev. Carl Helm is the new pastor at Marion Christian Church. A native of Miami, Okla., he most recently served as pastor of a Christian church in Dighton.
Helm preached his first sermon at the Marion church June 1. He was educated at Southwestern Baptist College, in Bolivar, Mo., and received his master of divinity and family counseling degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Kansas City, Mo.
He has been a clergyman for 20 years.
Marriage counseling has always been a part of his pastoral duties, "and beyond," and he has done a great deal of it.
He plans to "preach short, concise sermons that create an interest in what goes on in the pulpit," he said in a Friday interview.
"I think this attracts people. Most people want sermons to be interesting, and not long and drawn out. They don't want you to chase rabbits, they do want you to get to the point and shut up," he said.
He likes to substitute-teach at the high school level, "get to know the kids." He said he loves working with young people, in fact started out as a youth pastor.
He and his wife, JoAnn, both said they want to be active members of the community. She is a native of Greensburg.
Carl Helm is attending a Bible study group for men that meets at 6:30 a.m. Thursdays at Stone City Café.
"We will go to all the ball games. And we enjoy visiting a lot of people in the community," he said.
He likes to play golf, but doesn't expect to have much time for it this summer. These first few months, he wants to visit his church people — "but I do like to play in a tournament every now and then."
He has been active in concert acquisition and promotion in his pastorates, bringing in top-notch Christian entertainers. He plans to do the same here.
Some of the groups he has brought to other cities include D.C. Talk and The Newsboys.
"We plan on bringing some incredible talent to Marion. Sometimes it may be someone you haven't heard of — but I won't bring anyone who isn't good," he said.
He added that he has many contacts and friendships with booking agents, some of whom are in Nashville, Tenn.
Also, the Marion Christian Church is preparing to celebrate its 125th "birthday" in November.
Carl and JoAnn have a daughter, Jessica, who is studying for dual degrees from both Kansas State University and Manhattan Christian College.
A senior, her degrees will be in elementary education and Bible & theology. She hopes to teach in a Christian school, JoAnn Helm said.
Their son, Jerred, will study fire science and play football this fall at Hutchinson Community College.
JoAnn Helm said, "We are very happy to be here and to be an active part of the community." Carl Helm said, "I will love pastoring in a town this size. It allows me to get to know the people."
His wife said, "he would much prefer to live and preach in a town of about 2,000 than one of 6,000."
