Bro. Jones requested we print the following report from his Associate Church Planter as a report this month.
My name is Jared Kathcart, and for the last year I have had the great opportunity of serving the community of Smithville, MO at North Lake Church. As Associate Church Planter, God has put many great opportunities in my path, and I am humbled by His willingness to use me. Ever since my high school years in the tiny Ozark town of Richland, MO, I have had a heart for student ministries. Camp, mission trips, weekly Bible study, lock-ins, and much more had such impact on my life, and I didn’t want the fun to end. When I felt God calling me to ministry, it only seemed right to pursue the call in the form of student ministries.
This decision lead me to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Youth Ministry. After graduating in 2009, I wanted to continue my education in a Seminary setting, so I enrolled at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary of Kansas City. After four more years, and a May graduation, I can confidently say that I think I am done with college. It was finally time to put all this passion, education, and experience to work.
After joining North Lake Church in the summer of 2012, their emphasis on Authenticity in Christ became very evident. Jamie Jones, the Head Pastor and Church Planter, has embodied this concept consistently, and has been a great example for me and his flock. When coming on board as the associate pastor and planter, Jamie asked me to develop and lead the student ministries of North Lake. This last year has been challenging and rewarding. Our 12 months have included a retreat, lock-ins, camp, community service, a new weekly discipleship for 3rd-5th graders, Backyard Bible Clubs, and the miracle of three salvations. Disciples are being formed at North Lake Church, and I am excited to be used by God.
During my time in college and graduate school, I met, dated, and married the love of my life. Nikki Mereghetti (now Kathcart, thanks to the wonderful vows of marriage) and I met at Youth Front Camps in the summer of 2008. This last May, we welcomed Andie Grace to our family. I know I’m biased, but God has blessed me with what I believe to be the two most wonderful girls a man could ask for.
