Reverend Furr has served churches in the Quad Cities area for the last twenty years. He grew up in a Reformed Presbyterian Church in Concord, N.C. He and his wife Bobbie are celebrating their 52nd Anniversary. They have two sons: Christopher a Presbyterian Missionary and Jonathan an attorney. Wayne holds a B.A. in history from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1989. He has had additional study to shift to the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination.
Wayne describes his spiritual awakening:
“In July 1980, after my wife asked for a divorce, a godly friend led me to a “born again” encounter with Jesus Christ. In May 1981, my wife and I were remarried. At age 38, in August 1983, we left North Carolina to prepare for ministry via seminary.”
Pre-Ministry Employment:
1968-1983—He worked for three different insurance companies as he progressed in his career. Starting as an entry level adjuster, promoted to litigation management and lastly a Regional Director over 13 states.
Ministry Career:
1989-1999—Cumberland Presbyterian installed pastors in three churches in Iowa, Kentucky, and Tennessee
1999-2000—1 year interim, First Baptist(American) Galva, Illinois
2000-2004—Pastor, Antioch Baptist(American) Reynolds, Illinois
2004-2007—Associate, First Presbyterian, Moline, Illinois
2007-2011—Chaplain, Christian Life Retirement Center, Sterling, Illinois
2011—Retirement served three interim positions from 2011-2016
2016-2020—Pulpit Sunday for Great Rivers and Blackhawk Presbyteries
2020—College Avenue Presbyterian, Aledo, Illinois
Life Verses:
Matthew 6:33–Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well.
1 John 4:19, 21—We love because he first loved us… And, he has given us this command: whoever loves God must also love his brother(sister).
Philosophy of Ministry:
Preach the Gospel. Study well. Never be ashamed of the lordship of Jesus Christ. Be there. As a shepherd of the people be among them, know them, be responsive as duty (love) demands it.
Future:
As long as the Lord gives strength and a lucid mind to proclaim the Good News I want to run strong, keeping my focus fixed on the prize of the high calling.