[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S3647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO PASTOR DAVE STONE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, all of God's children are blessed 
with certain gifts, and we are each called to put them to work to 
glorify Him. Today, it is my sincere privilege to pay tribute to my 
friend who has answered this call and used his considerable gifts with 
compassion and grace. At the end of May, Dave Stone stepped down as the 
senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. I would 
like to take a moment to honor his years of pastoral leadership and to 
sincerely thank him for his care and dedication to our church family.
  Elaine and I have been attending Southeast for nearly two decades, 
drawn by the moving preaching and the warm community. Dave has been an 
integral part of that spiritual life for 30 years, and there are so 
many of us in Louisville who have been made better by his friendship 
and leadership. Throughout his 13 years as senior pastor, Dave was our 
shepherd and used his many talents to point tens of thousands to the 
Lord.
  When Dave first joined Southeast, his devotion to Christ and His 
church instantly became clear. Dave came not only with an inspirational 
vision, but also with a deep sense of humility. To anyone who walked 
into this church, he made a point to welcome them like a lifelong 
friend. In both the easy and the difficult times, Dave shared his sense 
of joy in everything he did for the church. His warmth and humor made a 
positive and tangible impact on me and many other members.
  Dave assumed the responsibility of senior pastor after the retirement 
of Bob Russell, who had served the church community in leadership roles 
for 40 years. The next year, Southeast announced the establishment of a 
second location, a remarkable sign of growth and a testament to Dave's 
leadership. Southeast has continued adding more campuses to the church, 
and now it reaches believers on TV, on the radio, and at seven 
locations. Through this development, Southeast has become the largest 
church in Kentucky and the seventh largest in the entire country.
  Southeast's impressive growth also brought more responsibilities for 
Dave, his team, and his family. Whatever challenge presented itself 
over the years, Dave's skilled ministry helped the community thrive. 
Thousands of people have watched Dave preach, relied on his mentorship, 
and enjoyed his friendship.
  Dave admitted that he hates the word ``retirement,'' but he also knew 
it was time to pass the baton. When he announced his departure, Dave 
expressed his deep gratitude to the church leadership, staff, and all 
the faithful. He once again showed himself the humble pastor who 
fulfilled his mission from God.
  Now that he has officially stepped down as Southeast's senior pastor, 
Dave is looking for his next calling. I am confident he will continue 
using his many gifts to draw the faithful to the Lord. He will also get 
to spend more time with his wife Beth, his children, and his 
grandchildren. Although Elaine and I will certainly miss his Christian 
spirit and good humor, we wish Dave and his family all the best on 
their next adventure.

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