Pastor's Page

Darl and Barb Clemons

Biography

Darl and Barb started dating in 1977 and were married on December 2, 1978. Little did they realize what God had planned for their lives way back then. With a guitar in one hand, a Bible in the other, and butterflies in his stomach Darl began ministry with the one talent he knew God had given to him—singing. Soon after this God opened the door for him to sing with a group called “New Hope.” Traveling with this group on weekends brought opportunity for God to start building character and courage in Darl and soon the butterflies disappeared. However, as always with God, you never know what is around the corner. When you remain faithful to what He has called you to do, God will add to your one talent more opportunities to serve Him along with more challenges to grow in Him.

And so, the time came for this young couple to become a part of a different congregation—a larger congregation. More butterflies! Still, with just that one talent that had developed and grown, Darl followed God’s leading. Shortly after the transition Darl was asked to lead worship (in front of this larger congregation!). It is amazing how God will stretch you way beyond what you even think possible.

Yet God was not finished stretching this young couple. A year later they were approached with the prospect of leading a home group, something they had been a part of for awhile, but not as leaders. With shaky voices and another set of butterflies they agreed. Would God be faithful to see them through? Would He hold them up and not allow them to fall on their faces? Yes! When you follow God’s leading He will strengthen you and uphold you with His right hand.

However, I’ll have to warn you that when the word “leader” is tacked onto your name, the refining process will soon begin. God will turn up the heat in your life and the dross will start to rise, and what comes up will not be so appealing. Yet God in His infinite wisdom provided help and guidance for Darl and Barb through marriage enrichment classes, ladies’ Bible studies, the Word, and accountability from other leaders.

Scripture says when you are faithful over a few things, God will make you ruler over many. Now this not so young anymore couple was headed for more stretching. In 1997 their pastor asked them to serve on the church leadership team as elders. Darl and Barb knew this was God’s leading so they agreed. However, this agreement brought into their lives the continued refining process from God, and the heat was turned up even more. Have you ever been subjected to the refining process of God? Be thankful, for even though it is anguishing at times, it is worth every tear you cry and every agonizing prayer you lift up to God. In His great mercy, God will grant to you the grace you need for the process.

God’s divine plan was still not completed for Darl and Barb. Opportunities for preaching arose and through the course of time this now middle aged couple became restless. God started to put a stirring in them that could not be quenched, and even though they loved their church and the many friends that God had blessed them with, they knew God had something else in store for them with a different congregation. God had placed in Darl’s heart the desire to be a pastor. And with the reality that he had no formal training to claim as his own, Darl knew that wherever God would lead him, God would provide the skills and tools that were necessary to complete the task before him.

About this time there was a small church in Monticello, Indiana having its own growing pains as well. They were few in number but mighty in heart. And even though it looked like they were just hanging on by a thread—that thread was being held by God’s gentle hand. And in 2005, through His marvelous handiwork, God orchestrated a process that linked that thin thread to a couple with a guitar in one hand, a Bible in the other, and butterflies in their stomachs. Together, they are rejoicing in God’s provision, grace, and love.

We are truly thankful for this opportunity that God has provided for us. He has been our source for strength and guidance as we serve Him. It is our desire to lead and encourage the FCF family to make an impact on the Monticello community and beyond. As we grow together in the grace of God, we will see healing and hope abound in our lives and God’s plans for our congregation will come to fruition.

Blessings,
Darl and Barb

 

 

Ross Osborn

Biography

Ross Osborn was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 27, 1976.  His family later moved to North West Indiana and Ross grew up in North Judson where he graduated from high school in 1995.  Though his mother made it a top priority to raise Ross in the church, there came a season of his life that he stepped away from the church and his relationship with Jesus Christ.  Many hurtful and painful learning experiences began to take place when he was a freshman at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Ross began to dabble in alcohol abuse and other activities in which he felt constant conviction.  God was tugging at Ross’ heart and Ross knew that God was calling him back into relationship with Him.  However, after his freshman year, Ross returned to Purdue in the fall of 1996 and Ross remembers God was making it even clearer that He was calling Ross back into this relationship.

 One September morning, Ross was walking across the Purdue campus and saw an announcement which simply stated “HE IS COMING”.  Being raised in the church, Ross knew that one day Christ would return for His church and Ross knew that he was not living in relationship with Christ.  So he devoted the next several weeks to seeking God and surrendering to God.  He left Purdue on November 14, 1996 with the sole purpose of getting right with God and abandoning the lifestyle he was living that made it difficult to be devoted to the God he once knew.  After returning to his home town of North Judson, Indiana, he later learned that the announcement that he read which stated “HE IS COMING” was referring to Ross Perot coming to campus in order to campaign for president of the United States.  Though, comical, Ross was extremely grateful to God for using that flyer to turn Ross’ life around.

Once Ross returned to North Judson that fall, God began pressing harder on Ross’ heart and reconfirming a calling that he felt as a young boy to be involved in ministry.  Ross got plugged into a church and established some relationships with some key people who were instrumental in his spiritual growth.  Now rooted in a church family that provided accountability, Ross decided to pursue his education.  He felt that he wanted to gain a better understanding of the Bible as well as be equipped for his desire to counsel those who were hurting.  So, in the Spring of 1997, Ross enrolled in classes at Purdue North Central (campus of Purdue University) and went there two semesters while he awaited admission to Grace College and Seminary.  Ross attended Grace College and Seminary for one semester and realized it was not exactly what he was looking for.  He was still driving home on weekends to attend his home church.  One Sunday he was introduced to young lady from Mexico who was there on vacation to visit a sister who attended the same church as Ross.

Ross found himself intrigued and captured by the personality and very heart of this young lady.  He found that they had the very same desires in life and views, so he was craving more and more time with this young lady.  Ross and Lily Osborn were married on January 23, 1999.  Their oldest daughter, Kaylee Abigail, was born 2 years later in July of 2001.  In June of 2002, Ross and his family relocated to Monticello.  In May of 2003, their youngest daughter was born.  Ross spent nearly 10 years employed as a Sprinkler fitter (pipe fitter specializing in fire sprinkler systems) and was a member of local 669.  Knowing that it was not the career he wanted to do for life, Ross once again began investing into his future by enrolling full time in college while working as a sprinkler fitter and getting involved at Faith Covenant Fellowship as a lay youth minister, elder, and eventually was brought on staff as the associate pastor which he has been serving as since November of 2008. 

Ross graduated from Liberty University with a multidisciplinary degree (Bachelor of Science) in Religion and Psychology in May of 2009.  In his free time, Ross absolutely loves spending time with his family travelling, just hanging out watching movies, and going on dates with his wife.  He also spends much of his free time reading books and going fishing. Ross loves living in Monticello and is enjoying getting to know more and more people and looks forward to seeing what else God will do in and through Faith Covenant Fellowship and in White County.