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race, Mercy and Love be multiplied unto you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve the Historic Mount Nebo Baptist Church. Today is a great celebration in the history of Mount Nebo Baptist Church, not because of me, but because of what the Lord has done. I stand before you as the newly installed Pastor with a clear understanding that I could not have done anything to deserve this awesome task assigned to my hand by God. I am certain that I stand on the shoulders of some great men of God who have stood before me. I can agree with the psalmist who aptly declared, “This is the Lord’s doing, it is marvelous in our eyes.” I truly appreciate the Officers and members of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church for your support, love and trust. As my God Mother Mattie S. Stansberry would say, “God Did It!”, so let us celebrate together. I want everyone to know that I am beyond grateful to God for this opportunity and that I am also very thankful for each and every one of you. I would like to thank the Officers, the Pastoral search committee, every ministry and member of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, for helping me to adjust to this familiar yet new community. Your unnerving prayers and support means more than you will ever know. I am also thankful for the tireless efforts of the installation committee. I am extremely thankful for my entire family, those that have pushed and prayed for me. The memories of loved ones who now rest in the New Jerusalem, I carry you within my heart as God continues to open the doors of blessing and promise. Then to my praying mother Ms. Taylor and praying father Deacon Batts, but especially Sister Danielle, for believing in the God in me and keeping me focused. I want to thank my grandfather and grandmother in the ministry Dr. & Mrs. Herbert W. Anderson, my Pastor, Dr. K. M. Northam and Leading Lady Min. Cheryl Northam and Olive Branch Church family for pouring into my life at an early age, that I might be an effective and faithful worker in God’s kingdom. To everyone else that I did not mention by name, please know that I love you all! I truly love and appreciate you for all you have done to make this installation a great celebration. At the conclusion of this day of celebration, it will be time to return to work as usual. It has been noted that my favorite scriptures are the great commission found in Matthew 28 and 1Corinthians 1:18. To that end, it is my intention to impart the word of God to you with preparation and passion in order to empower you with the ability to effectively witness in these trying times. It is my prayer that the impartation and empowerment will lead to greater ability to positively impact our families, our communities and our world, to the glory of God through the power of the Holy Ghost. Yes, we know God did it, and now it’s our time to be the change we want to see in the world. Keeping Him in view, Pastor Damion T. Batts
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everend Damion T. Batts is a servant of the most high God. He was born on February 18, 1986 to Ms. Evelyn C. Taylor and Deacon Lloyd A. Batts. At a young age, Pastor Batts was called into the ministry; some even believed he was anointed while in his mother’s womb. Pastor Batts confessed his belief in Christ’s doctrine at an early age. He joined the Olive Branch Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, VA under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Alfred L. Thompson, Sr. Reverend Batts is currently an Associate Minister under the pastorate of the illustrious Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Northam of Olive Branch Baptist Church. He credits both Rev. Dr. Northam and the members of Olive Branch as being a tremendous blessing in his life.
his Grandson.
Pastor has had the anointing of God upon him for a very long time. Pastor Batts first public speaking was in 1998 at Sharon Baptist Church located in Dinwiddie, VA, which was under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Herbert Winston Anderson. Rev. Dr. Anderson is known as his Grandfather in the ministry, and is very proud of
In 1999, Pastor Batts answered his call after the sudden loss of a great influence in his life, his uncle Marvin Venoid Taylor, who always encouraged him to do his best at everything that he did. Pastor Batts was also influenced by his late Grandmother, Deaconess Ida Claudine Thompson Taylor, who always pushed him even when others would doubt him; God used her to be a guiding force to move Pastor Batts to this point in his life. Pastor Batts was licensed to preach on April 16, 2000, and was blessed by his Pastor and Church who thought he should be ordained along with the other Ministers on March 9, 2002. He was ordained as a Baptist Minister. Pastor Batts graduated from Thomas Dale High School on June 9, 2004. He later began taking the Evans-Smith Leadership Training Institute classes offered by the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University and Virginia University of Lynchburg. He is continuing in his study of the Word of God at the Richmond Virginia Seminary, Richmond, Virginia and the Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, Georgia pursuing his Theological undergraduate studies. Pastor Batts was a former member of the C.V. Wilson Lodge # 317 Masonic Order of Masons. He is a current member of the Hampton Ministers Conference and the Second Vice President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Petersburg and Vicinity. He is employed at the Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, Inc., Petersburg, VA. He was called to serve as the Interim Pastor of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia in December of 2007, where he served faithfully during his tenure. Then in December 2011, God blessed Pastor Batts to be called to serve Christ and His Sheep as the esteemed Pastor of the historic St. Luke United Church of Christ in Sedley, VA, where he has served faithfully for the last five years, eight months and twenty- eight days. Once again God has opened a new door in the life and ministry of Pastor Batts. We are excited about what God is doing through him for us. We are truly on the go as we seek to continue on through the teaching and preaching of our God-sent servant leader. Pastor Batts is a spirit-led preacher and teacher who listens to hear from God for direction. He has already been instrumental in the spiritual growth of the community and members at
historic Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Blackstone, Virginia. Pastor Batts has heard the clarion call from God to lead the people of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church toward a new direction, especially during these perilous times. We have accepted the blessing of Pastor Batts, whom God has anointed, and appointed to become our Shepherd. Under God’s guidance and the Holy Spirit, Pastor Damion Batts will lead and guide the Mt. Nebo Church family in a spiritual way. Pastor Batts is a faithful Servant of God, and a born again Christian who, above all, loves the Lord. He is a wonderful leader and Pastor. The stern commitment of our Shepherd is: “God will not allow me to lead you into any place where I myself would not go.” He preaches from one book, the BIBLE. His favorite quote to live by is that, “If I can help somebody as I pass along the way, then my living shall not be in vain.”
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ev. Kevin M. Northam was born on April 22, 1967 and raised in Onancock, VA where he attended public schools in Accomack County. After the completion of his high school education, he enlisted in the United States Army in June 1985 and proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring July 2005. He is married to the former Cheryl Lynette Williams of Sutherland, VA and they are the parents of a nineteen year old daughter, Christian. Over the years the Lord has been equipping him for a higher calling and after serving in several ministries throughout his spiritual journey he answered the call to congregational leadership. He was called to be the Pastor of the Olive Branch Baptist Church, Dinwiddie, VA, in July 2003, and has been serving in that capacity up to the present time.
In May 2010, Rev. Northam received his 3rd graduate degree, a Masters of Art in Christian Education (MACE) at the School of Theology, Virginia Union University where he also received a Masters of Divinity (MDIV) degree in 2006. While serving in the US Army, he earned multiple degrees that include an Associate of Science (AS) from Northern Virginia Community College, a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Hawaii Pacific University and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance (MBA) from Baker College. In June 2015 he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Richmond Virginia Seminary. Rev. Northam currently serves as the Moderator of the Unified Shiloh Baptist Association of Southside Virginia (USBASV), State Director of Young Adults and Instructor, Virginia Baptist State Convention (VBSC), Secretary of the NAACP, Dinwiddie Branch, Volunteer and Tutor for Petersburg Public School System, Chairman of the Executive Board and Instructor for The Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Union (BTU) Congress of Virginia. He is also the former Past-President of the United Churches of Dinwiddie County & Vicinity (UCD). His hobbies include reading, financial and investment planning and fitness. Rev. Northam believes that he can fulfill his “workmanship” and be pleasing to God by living what he learns, preaches and teaches. More importantly, he stands on the scripture “I am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some. (1 Cor. 9:22b) Lastly, he is excited about ministry because he is excited about God.
PRESIDER: In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are here as a congregation to install as Pastor of the Mount Nebo Baptist Church family, Reverend Damion T. Batts. In as much as this solemn act involves mutual obligation. I call upon you to unite in a covenant of dedication. Let the Pastor to be installed stand and make is declaration. PASTOR: Willing, I reaffirm my ordination vows, believing with all my heart that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God, and accepting the Holy Scriptures as inspired of God through the Holy Spirit, it is my since desire to devote my life of the ministry of God’s word, to be the chosen shepherd of the flock, to live to bring honor and not shame or dishonor to the ministry of Jesus Christ. (Pastor to be seated) PRESIDER: Let the Deacons stand and make their declaration. DEACONS: We acknowledge the Holy responsibilities of the office of Deacon to which we were chosen. We affirm to our love for this congregation, and we offer ourselves in a common service with our Pastor to serve the Church of Our Lord. (Deacons to be seated) PRESIDER: Let the Trustees stand and make their declaration. TRUSTEES: We renew our pledge of loyalty to this Church and the service to which, as Trustees we have been appointed; we promise to minister all the material affairs of this congregation as to maintain its reputation and ever to keep it in good report from within. (Trustees are seated) PRESIDER: Let the Mount Nebo Baptist Church Family stand and make their declaration. CHURCH: We affirm our membership in Christ’s Church and in this congregation with those who have obtained like precious faith, renewing our solemn vows of fidelity to our Lord Jesus Christ to do solemnly covenant to work together with our Pastor to extend the Gospel to its purity and power in this community and throughout the world, and as faithful in every way. (Congregation to be seated) PRESIDER: (To the Pastor) In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, having been called to be Pastor of the church, do you take this people to be your People, this field of labor to be your field, without reservation of mind or heart? PASTOR: I Do.
3:00 P. M. Reverend Carlos Jordan, Presiding 2:45-3:00 P.M. Praise & Worship Period The Olive Branch Baptist Church Praise Team The Musical Prelude
Deacon Wendal Givens
Escort of Uncle: Mr. Ricky Taylor Escort of Grandmother: Mrs. Elizabeth H. Brown Escort of Godmother: Mrs. Mattie Stansbury Escort of Father: Deacon Lloyd A. Batts Escort of Mother: Mrs. Evelyn C. Taylor Escort of Pastor-Elect Damion T. Batts, The Processional
Sister Euphesenia Mavin Deacon Melvin Evans Trustee Richard Rather Deacon Clara Evans Trustee Mahlon Watson Deaconess Nannette Bragg
The Call to Worship
Clergy, Officers & Elect First Family
Habakkuk 2:20, 1 Corinthians 9:16
The Prayer of Invocation
Rev. Carlos Jordan
Rev. Gregory D. Boothe, Associate Pastor Grove Baptist Church Portsmouth, Virginia
The Opening Selection
The Holy Scriptures The Old Testament
The OBBC Mass Choir Rev. Leroy Green Pleasant Oak Baptist Church Victoria, VA
The New Testament
Sister LaTiscia Fowlkes Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
The Afternoon Prayer
Rev. Raleigh M. Harris, Jr. Pastor-Jericho Baptist Church Ruther Glen, Virginia
Musical Selection The Statement of Purpose
The OBBC Mass Choir
Deacon Melvin Evans Chairman of Deacons Ministry
Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
The Welcome to Visitors The Response
The Words of Encouragement
Sister Rose & Trustee David E. Gordon Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Deacon Russell Jarrett Olive Branch Baptist Church Dinwiddie, Virginia Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Fields, Jr., Pastor Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Ford, Virginia Former Pastor of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Blackstone, Virginia
The Words of Inspiration & Expression
Rev. Paul Wade, Pastor Jetersville Baptist Church Amelia, Virginia
The Musical Offering
The OBBC Mass Choir
The Words of Inspiration & Aspiration Recognition of Dignitaries
Rev. Edward Fox III, Pastor Springfield Baptist Church Sutherland, Virginia
Nottoway County Civic Organizations School Board Mr. Bob Horn, Chairman Ebenezer Baptist Association Baptist General Convention of Virginia SCLC Blackstone Ministers Alliance Baptist Ministers Conference of Petersburg & Vicinity Friends & Church Ministerial Associates The Special Selection
Mr. Ronnie Roark, County Manger Mr. Clarence Williams, President Rev. Dr. Jimmie Walker, Pastor & Moderator Rev. Dr. Elijah Burke Rev. Dr. Sylvia K. Tucker, Pastor & President Rev. Dr. Peter Smith, Pastor & President Rev. June Twyman, President Rev. Gregory D. Boothe
Rev. Cora Harvey Armstrong
The Offering Offertory Appeal
Rev. Wanda Wallace, Pastor Little Mount Baptist Church Blackstone, Virginia
Offertory Prayer Doxology The Poem
Trustee James Delaney Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
The Choir & Congregation
Mrs. Esther Fitzgerald Mt. Gazarine Baptist Church Blackstone, Virginia
The Special Selection The Introduction of the Preacher
Brother Cliffton Crawley, Sr.
The Selection of Meditation The Installation Message
Minister Cheryl L. Northam Leading Lady, Olive Branch Baptist Church
The OBBC Choir
The Invitational Selection
Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Northam, Pastor Olive Branch Baptist Church Dinwiddie, Virginia The Invitation to Christian Discipleship Pastor K. M. Northam The OBBC Mass Choir
The Acts of Installation The Selection of Preparation The Charge to the Pastor
The Charge to the Church
The Installation Prayer, Laying on of Hands& Anointing The Litany of Installation
Rev. Cora Harvey Armstrong Rev. Dr. Clyde Johnson, Sr., Associate Minister Mount Olivet Baptist Church Petersburg, Virginia Rev. Dr. Sarah Coleman, Pastor Union Baptist Church Crewe, Virginia Rev. Dr. Johnnie L. Fleming, Jr., Pastor Second Baptist Church Chester, Virginia (All Pastors & Ministers come forth) Rev. Andrew T. Carey, Pastor Brown Grove Baptist Church Chesterfield, Virginia
The Presentation of the Robe
Deacon- Elect Lillian Epps Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
The Presentation of the Bible
Rev. Linda Drummond, Associate Minister Third Baptist Church Petersburg, Virginia
The Presentation of the Hymnal
The Declaration of Installation
Rev. Kenneth R. Hawkes, Pastor Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Crewe, Virginia Rev. Kim White, Pastor Bloomfield Baptist Church
Wilson, Virginia The Right Hand of Fellowship
Rev. Herman L. West, III, Pastor Cellar Creek Baptist Church Blackstone, Virginia
The Presentations The Presentation of the Keys to the Church
Trustee Richard Rather Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
The Presentation of Gifts The Presentation of the Pastor
Sister Barbara Rather Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Trustee Reginald E. Gordon, Esquire Chairperson of the Pulpit Committee Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
The Pastoral Statement
The Reverend Damion T. Batts
The Selection of Affirmation The Benediction
The Postlude
The Choir & Musicians Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Northam, Pastor Olive Branch Baptist Church Dinwiddie, Virginia
The Musician
For more than twenty centuries across each generation the church has set aside some of her members for special training and preparation. The church elects such persons to positions of responsibility not privilege. They are called to serve the downtrodden and the disinherited. These persons may be apostles, prophets, teachers or pastors. They are called to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, so that the body of Christ will be edified. Therefore, Reverend Damion T. Batts on this 6th day of November in the Year of Our Lord, 2016, I offer the following charge to you. If you concur, when appropriate, please respond, I accept. I charge you in the words of St. Paul to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. So, do not seek to be more successful; seek to be more faithful. Never take as the aim of your life fortune or fame for neither can keep you near the cross nor lead you to you to your destiny which is the prize of the high calling from Jesus Christ. If you concur, please say, I accept. I charge you to never build obstructions that keep out the faces of the defeated or the cries of the marginalized for as you do unto these you do unto Christ. Never ascend too high to visit those who are on beds of affliction or on cots in padded prison cells for as you do unto these you do unto Christ. If you concur, please say, I accept. I charge you in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, to preach the Word; proclaim a righteous and relevant Gospel in season and out of season. Correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and through careful instruction. Listen to your flock, work closely with them and pray for them, weep and rejoice with them for they are your charge. As you do this, remember that pastoring is not finely tuned orchestration. Rather it is that calling that requires a willingness to accept the improvisational movement of god If you concur, please say, I accept. I charge you to never develop disdain for a congregant. Instead, fall in love with these people over and over and over again. Your vocation though also manifested through sacramental acts is above all to spread the love of Jesus Christ. Never tire of that vocation. And when faced with your greatest enemy, humble yourself enough to love them and in this act of humility you will find great strength and victory. If you concur, please say, I accept. I charge you to never take for granted your family, your health, or your personal relationship with God. It is your family that bears you up as if on eagle’s wings in your presence and in your absence; their generosity helps make your work possible. Your health you must safeguard for you know that your body is not your own, it is the temple of God and a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. And it is your personal relationship with God that feeds and determines all other relationships and it determines the home going destination of your soul. If you concur, please say, I accept. I charge you to always give God your best and be original. God desires to do something significant through this church and through you in this season; not through your predecessors, each of whom had their own charge to keep and God to glorify. God wants to work though you. So, listen to God; even in the silences God still speaks. And do not expect scar-free ministry, for our risen Savior did not obtain this fate. Do not expect a painless pastorate, for Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Do not expect that none will doubt and none will betray and none will
be afraid for each of these actions were shown by some who walked with Jesus in the flesh. But do know that this same Jesus promised to be with you always, to never leave or forsake you. Let that be your greatest comfort. If you concur, please say, I accept. I charge you to always remember that this is not your work, it is God’s work! No matter how arduous the days, how exemplary your ministry, or how much you are lauded; this is not about you, this is God’s work. Also, remember, no matter how much it grows or contracts, swims with or against controversial cultural tides, this is not your church, it is God’s church. And last but not least, as your take up this mantle, remember that all of the gifts you have received to serve as a pastor are not your gifts. They are delicate divine deposits. They are the answers to knee-scarring prayers prayed on your behalf. They are the lessons of teachers, the knowledge of colleagues, strangers, mentors and friends. Finally, your gifts are the residue of the struggles of your ancestors from West Africa come to full circle. If you agree to always remember these things, please say I will. Accordingly, Reverend Damion T. Batts by God’s appointment, the people’s affirmation and your acceptance, as an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ, I now announce that as you are installed as the Pastor & Senior Minister of The Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Blackstone, Virginia. To God be the glory for all of the great thing that God has done. Amen.*
Rev. Coleman: Let the Diaconate Ministry stand and make their Declaration Diaconate Ministry: We the Diaconate Ministry of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Blackstone, Virginia acknowledge the Holy responsibility for the office of the deaconship to which we were chosen; we affirm our love for God, and for this congregation. We offer ourselves in common service with our Pastor to serve the church of our Lord to the best of our ability. If you concur, please say, “So help me God.” The New Testament word for church (Ekklesia) means “to call out.” Thus, the Church is a community of “called out” persons. The good news of God’s great gospel has called us from the shadow of sin to the marvelous light of salvation. In gratitude for our emancipation, we gladly serve as tangible testimonies of God’s invincible love and infinite grace. The Church, which was instituted by and belongs only to Jesus Christ, does not exist for itself but rather exists to carry out a four-fold mission: 1) to exalt the Savior; 2) to equip the saints; 3) to evangelize the sinner; and 4) to enrich society. We can fulfill this mission as called out persons because, on the Day of Pentecost, God poured out the Holy Spirit upon us. The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us, raising us and the communities we serve to new life. The sacred partnership between a congregation and pastor is not happenstance but rather a holy arrangement orchestrated by an omniscient God. Thus, I invite you to joyfully and lovingly enter into this covenant with your new pastor, realizing that this moment in time was actually predestined in eternity, even before the foundations of the world were established. Therefore, members of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Blackstone, Virginia, on this 6th day of November in the Year of Our Lord 2016, I offer the following charge to you: If you concur, when appropriate, please respond, “We accept.” I charge you to be a spiritual community of love. You should also be a community where care and compassion abound. The ministry of care and compassion is not simply the job description of the pastor. It is the job description of this entire church. In Galatians 6:2, the Apostle Paul instructs us to “bear one another’s burdens, and in this way… fulfill the law of Christ.” In addition to caring for and showing compassion to one another, never become so insular that you fail to impact the lives of those outside the church who have no advocate, are mired in hopelessness and ravaged by injustice. Be known as a friendly church and a community If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to eagerly accept the leadership of the pastor. Great leadership is dependent upon willing and consistent “followship.” Trust that your pastor is a person of prayer who desires to lead the congregation according to the perfect will of God. Grant your pastor room to make mistakes. A “mistake-free” ministry would simply be evidence of a lack of courage and vision. Ephesians 5:10 exhorts us to “try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord,” and sometimes we only know God’s perfect will through trial and error. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to foster the creativity and imagination of your pastor. Encourage your pastor to meditate and pray regularly; to appreciate great literature, culture and the arts; and to attend conferences and professional gatherings where her/his gifts for ministry can be enhanced. Then, invite your pastor to unleash her/his sanctified
imagination upon this congregation through profound preaching and teaching that illumines the mind, warms the heart, and persuades people to serve the Lord and humanity with all of their heart, soul and mind. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to respect and work with individuals in positions of authority, including lay leaders and members of the church staff. These persons are extensions of the church’s ministry and a manifestation of the pastor’s responsibility to equip the saints for building up the body of Christ. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to be committed to Christian Education. Also, support the work of the church through the faithful stewardship of your time, talent, and treasure thereby extending the reach of the church’s four-fold mission. Put your love of God and the church into action by your generosity. Jesus said that where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Use your God-given skills for the congregation’s ministries and initiatives. Attend the services and meetings whenever possible. Most importantly, pray without ceasing for your church and pastor and live in expectancy of the Lord’s return. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to regularly demonstrate love, care, and compassion for the total well-being of your pastor and her/ his family. To honor the pastor’s family is to honor the pastor. Also, encourage your pastor to maintain good spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health. Insist that your pastor engage in Sabbath rest weekly, seek routine medical care, and take annual vacations. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to strive diligently for unity and peace (Ephesians 4:3). This church should have a peaceful aroma in it. It should be holy ground, instead of a battleground. But do not expect a church free of problems and free of disagreements. Robust dialogue and earnest disagreements are natural features of a covenant relationship. Yet ensure that your dialogue and disagreements never dishonor the Lord. Jesus insists that peacemakers are blessed and are the true children of God. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” Finally, I charge you to joyously embrace change and never major in minor things. God has united you with your pastor for the purposes of transforming this congregation, community, and even the world. Thus, do not waste God’s time in trivial pursuits. Worry less about the church By-Laws and focus more on the Bible. Worry less about a renovation project and focus more on building up torn-down lives. Worry less about the budget and focus more on God who can supply all your needs. Dream big dreams for God and wait expectantly as God transforms dreams into reality. Always remember that our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” Now unto the all wise God, who loved us first, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, forever and ever, Amen.*
Declaration of Installation In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the King and head of the church, we hereby declare you, Reverend Damion T. Batts, to be properly installed to the office of Senior Pastor of the Historic Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Blackstone, Virginia is now committed to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We commend you to the grace of God in the discharge of all your duties as minister of the gospel. The God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.