By David S. Gilbert
MELROSE PARK, Pennsylvania--"What's he really like?"
That was the question on many people's minds before they met Pastor General Joseph Tkach in person.
The Philadelphia and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Medford, New Jersey; and Seaford and Wilmington, Delaware, congregations found out Nov. 15, when he visited the area for worship services.
They found a gentle, unassuming, friendly man who has been struck by the awesomeness of God's new deal for his people. This is the first time these churches got a visit from a pastor general of the Worldwide Church of God and they were not disappointed.
Mr. Tkach arrived at services about a half-hour early, shook hands, signed copies of his book, Transformed by Truth, and got to know the 357 brethren who came to worship Jesus Christ with him. He gave a message titled "Love in Any Language" and encouraged us to focus on each others' positive aspects. After services he met more people, and then conducted a question and answer session for nearly two hours. He discussed the triune nature of God, worshiping in spirit and truth, and whether Christmas is pagan. He encouraged us to realize the value of celebrating our salvation in Jesus during our traditional festival times.
On the way out of the meeting hall, a man came up to him and asked, "Is it OK if I call you Joe?" His response was: "By all means! In fact, I prefer it!"
It seemed obvious that we have a pastor general who is more pastor than general. His pastoral heart was clearly evident as he interacted with God's people. He typifies the gentle spirit that his father, Joseph W. Tkach Sr., desired to see in the ministry when he said that we are to be shepherds, not sheriffs.
David S. Gilbert pastors the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, church.
Dec. 23, 1997, WN, page 9
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