Generational Dynamics Part 3

What the upcoming generation of Christian servants have learned from their godly heritage

Meet the PK’s: Nathaniel Skelly, son of Pastor Kurt Skelly from the Harvest Baptist Church in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. Jodi Kingsbury, daughter of Dr. Paul Kingsbury, pastor of North Love Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois. Amy Gagliano, daughter of Dr. Frank Gagliano, pastor of South Haven Baptist Church in Springfield, Tennessee.

KURT SKELLY
Pastor of Harvest
Baptist Church

DR. PAUL KINGSBURY
Pastor of North Love
Baptist Church

DR. FRANK GAGLIANO
Pastor of South Haven
Baptist Church

Why did you choose to serve in ministry?
SKELLY: My senior year of high school it hit me, “What am I going to do with my life?” My dad recommended a year in Bible college. Though at the time I had no plans to be in ministry, I wanted to give God the opportunity to speak to my heart. I’m a junior now, and even though I’ve never felt “called,” I have decided to follow the Lord and teach in a Christian school.
GAGLIANO: When I first came, it was mostly because of my father’s preference. But then I saw what God was doing here and heard from other students what He was doing in their churches. It made me appreciate my home church even more, and it made me want to serve the Lord.

What lessons have been reinforced at Bible college?
SKELLY: Once I got here I noticed the soulwinning and caught the spirit of it. It is not just about reaching a number goal on a big day, but seeing people saved, baptized, and discipled… then seeing them, in turn, doing it again with you.

Did growing up in a pastor’s home affect your decision to go into ministry?
KINGSBURY: My family experienced some real trials, but I saw the peace in my parents and so many other pastors and churches supporting us through the trials. It confirmed that I wanted to be in ministry.

Did you ever feel it was a negative growing up in a pastor’s home?
SKELLY: Sometimes you do feel held to a different standard. But I have had opportunities to go places and meet some great men of God that I never would have had the chance if my dad wasn’t a pastor. The more I think about it, the more thankful I am for where God placed me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your dad?
GAGLIANO: Humility. He has never bragged about what he has done—it’s always because the Lord has blessed him.

How are you involved in ministry now?
SKELLY: I help at a church in Banning, California—help with the teen class, sing in the choir, go soulwinning, clean up the church, really whatever needs to be done.

What are some things you have learned in college to model?
GAGLIANO: Servant leadership isn’t just a phrase—it’s real. It’s about really wanting to help people grow in their Christian walk.