Pastor Doug and Mary Jane Combs pause for a photo in the pulpit at Sparta Church Of God.

Combs looks back on over 20 years of ministry

After more than 20 years of serving as pastor at Sparta Church of God, Pastor Doug Combs continues to look forward to the future with the church and its people.

As a second generation pastor, Combs took the helm of the church in 1984 when his grandfather who started the church began having health issues that limited his attendance and participation.

While Combs' father Brison opted to work for Pepsi as a career, Combs received the call to serve at 16, at which point he served as an evangelist for some time.

Looking back, he chuckled, "People used to tell me I was going to be the pastor of the Sparta Church of God. I told them it would never happen."

Second-Generation Pastor

Combs spoke briefly of the early years of the church. The first minutes of the church dates back to May 1968.

"The first services were held in an old school bus that was not runable," Combs recalled, noting the following year they were held between the current location and the fellowship hall in an old house.

Of following his grandfather's footsteps, Combs said, "It's a challenge; he was a faithful individual. I try to hold to that to stay faithful. This is what God has called me to do and the Lord's helped me."

When his grandfather was a pastor at Sparta Church of God, there were about eight or nine members. When Combs took over in January 1984, if there was 12 to 15 in attendance, that was considered "a good crowd." The church presently has about 80 to 90 in attendance on an average Sunday. Under his leadership, the church also has several singers, as well as musicians that perform at services, including his wife, pianist Mary Jane.

Snow of '88 and Beyond

With the recent snows behind us, Combs said them brought back memories of an '88 storm that tested his faith.

That Sunday, church was canceled, but Combs opted to come up the mountain from the couple's home in Ronda to drop off a tape at the local radio station and stop by the church, where they found the picnic shelter had caved in.

"Walking around inside the church, I saw some insulation on the floor and jokingly remarked, 'The roof's caved in too.' But I got to looking and it had. When we got ready to leave, I stopped by the restroom, flushed the toilet and it overflowed. I was pretty discouraged. I was ready to call and quit. The Lord didn't let me; he had something greater planned."

During the period of repairing and remodeling, a number of churches and nine denominations pitched in to help. Shortly thereafter, individuals wanting to serve as Sunday School teachers, choir directors and musicians came to lend a helping hand. In the 1990s, the numbers began to balloon.

In the late '90s, discussions were held about building a covered picnic area, but nothing definite came of the discussion. Instead, Combs said, "The Lord wanted us to build a church." With a building fund of only $120 in place for construction, Combs commented, "I felt like the Lord said, 'Wait.'"

The grading on the new sanctuary did not finish until October 2000, nearly two years after discussion began, followed by construction of block walls.

Combs said, "Everybody worked faithfully…nobody ever got hurt; not one fuss, no commotion… This is what God has done, not man…"

The new church was dedicated Sept. 15, 2002.

Of the present, Combs stated, "God is working and the church continues strong by the power of the Holy Ghost. New people continue to come.