THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 20, 1994 TAG: 9410190170
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
THE REV. CLYDE D. NUCKOLS SR. is a newcomer to Suffolk but a 37-year veteran to the ministry. A native Virginian, Nuckols arrived at his newest assignment, Magnolia United Methodist Church, in June.
Nuckols says he didn't always dream of being a pastor. In fact, after graduating from the University of Richmond, he received a full scholarship to the University of Virginia for graduate studies in economics. However, a class in Greek ethics and philosophy sent him searching for answers. ``We grappled with difficult questions like the meaning of life and death,'' he explained.
Nuckols passed up his graduate scholarship and entered the Army where he received ``a distinct call'' into the pastoral ministry.
After being discharged, Nuckols began his academic preparation for the ministry. First, he graduated cum laude from Union Theological Seminary (Presbyterian), completed graduate studies at Emory University (Methodist) and then went on to do a year of continuing education at Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). This blend of theological training from various denominational institutions has served Nuckols well through the years, he says.
``I've always enjoyed being with different denominations.''
Since entering the ministry with the United Methodist Church, Nuckols has criss-crossed his home state and also served pastorates in West Virginia, Georgia and Maryland in a career covering 21 churches.
``I've served in rural areas and the mountains, in the hollows and valleys, in small country churches and large metropolitan churches,'' Nuckols said.
``I'm convinced today that the big needs are telling people about Jesus Christ and teaching people in the church.
``The thrust of my ministry is primarily in the area of Christian education and evangelism,'' he said.
Nuckols holds to doctrinal preaching which he describes as a teaching type of preaching. ``I strongly believe in the Bible as the Word of God . . I'm very orthodox on that position,'' he said. ``And I feel that good theology always moves people to do something.
``In a day of insecurity, confusion and anxiety, I see the Bible as a lighthouse on shifting sand,'' he said.
Nuckols says he plans to equip his new congregation through solid expository preaching from the pulpit, a strong Sunday School program and emphasis on ministries to youngsters.
Nuckols says he bases his strategy for evangelism on the mandate found in Acts 1:8 : ``But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.''
Plans are already being made to begin outreach in local communities with door-to-door visitation, he said.
``I think many people are just waiting to be invited,'' Nuckols said. ``We want to go and tell them we care for them and want them here.''
Nuckols and his wife are overjoyed with their new church and community. ``If I weren't a pastor, I'd want to attend this church,'' he said. ``There's a lot of spiritual depth in this church - the people are very warm, responsive and attentive.
``There's a great deal of genuine care for one another here and the worship experience is just wonderful.''
Nuckols has found his new church to be very supportive. ``It's one of the finest congregations I've ever served,'' he said. ``It's a privilege for me to be here.''
Nuckols' said his ministry style - working with the congregation and facilitating development and involvement - goes hand-in-hand with the spirit of Magnolia members.
``A good minister will work himself out of a job and give the leadership over to the people of the church,'' Nuckols said. And that's what he plans to do during his ministry at Magnolia Methodist, he said.
Nuckols and his wife, Cathy, have three grown children. Their two daughters live with their families in other parts of the state. Their son, Chuck, is a senior at Virginia Wesleyan College. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. Clyde Nuckols Sr. says he and his wife are pleased with
Magnolia United Methodist Church. ``If I weren't a pastor, I'd want
to attend this church,'' he says.
by CNB