A beloved former minister at Central Church of Christ, Kirk Brothers, returns to the local pulpit Sunday as flagship speaker for the congregation’s 2014 homecoming and gospel meeting.
 Seeking and Saving the Lost: Motivational Lessons on Evangelism is the theme for the series, which begins with morning Bible study 9:30 a.m. followed by worship at 10:30 a.m. and evening service at 7 p.m.  The meeting continues through Wednesday with preachers Tony Lawrence of Bybee Branch Church of Christ, Kevin Key from the East End congregation, and Ben Bailey, regular minister at the host church. 
The evening services Sunday through Wednesday will be broadcast live on public radio WCPI 91.3 starting at 7 p.m. for the convenience of those unable to attend.
“As New Testament Christians, we take very seriously all of the teachings and commandments of our Lord and Savior,” said Steve Stubblefield, one of Central’s elders.  “That includes the very essential directive that we go out and carry His soul-healing, soul-saving message of grace to everyone everywhere.
This year’s gospel meeting is designed to offer very practical lessons in carrying out the mission of Christian evangelism,” he explained.
A perennially popular feature of the homecoming and gospel meeting is the friends and neighbors complimentary luncheon Tuesday, Aug. 19. The entire community is invited to the casual, buffet-style meal anytime from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central’s fellowship hall, just below the main auditorium.  Bailey will offer very brief remarks about 12 p.m., and guests are urged to come and leave at times convenient to them. 
“The Tuesday luncheon is one way we like to share with the community,” Mike Corley, another of the elders, said.  “We enjoy seeing and talking with neighbors and friends from all walks of life, and we are honored and grateful when they come and spend a little time with us over lunch.   This has blossomed into an event that people look forward to from year to year,” he continued.
Brothers returns to Central after an absence of nearly 11 years, during which time he completed graduate degrees in Bible studies, becoming a professor at Freed Hardeman University in 2010. He expects to be accompanied here this weekend by his wife, Cindy, who are parents of two daughters.  Katie was in the first grade and Hannah was 2 years old when the couple took up residence in McMinnville in January 2000.  The girls are now 21 and 17, respectively.
The church offers transportation to anyone needing it. The number to call for a ride is 931-473-6537 during normal office hours.