Dear Georgia-Cumberland Conference:

 

Pastor Scott Linton was a pleasure to work with during his time at Atlanta North Church.  My ministry roles at the church during his time were as an Elder, Facilities Committee Chair and school Treasurer/board member.  I also had three children at the school, where he had a specific focus.  

 

As a parent, I continue to appreciate his influence on the children.  Personally, he did bible studies with one of my children which led to baptism.  He also spent a significant amount of time conducting chapels, bible studies and classes.  He was also very active at school events, fundraisers and special performances at the church.  Children to this day will often say things like “remember when Pastor Scott said…” and when he returns for a visit, the children are genuinely excited to see and talk with him.  He clearly appreciates the importance of Adventist education and children to our church and school programs.

 

As a facilities chair leader, he appreciated the limited nature of church resources and also the unique important role facilities play in helping different ministries fulfill their missions.  When we had challenges at the church or school building, he would literally roll up his sleeves to help out.  He was instrumental in meeting with contractors, architects, and trades people bringing a unique perspective from his previous school/experience and his spiritual focus. 

 

As an Elder and church leader, I appreciated his concern and focus for our church members, desire to learn more about how the finances worked and looking for unique ways to be an effective administrator.  He would often question if we were using our time wisely and how best to address administrative matters to free up time for spiritual focus.  For example, when he was charged with running some of the church board meetings, he focused on how to quickly complete the required matters and freed up time to focus on members who have been inactive.  He used the additional time, so that during the board meeting, lists were shared with board members to call, text or email, during the meeting, to let those members know they were being thought of and asking if they needed anything.  This activity continued for a number of board meetings and was a highlight.  This was one of the turning points for our church that has overhauled our image to be known as a “caring” church and still has an impact to this day.

 

I can’t recommend Pastor Scott Linton more for ordination to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  

 

God Bless,

John Satelmajer

Atlanta North Church