ATLANTA (February 10, 2012) – Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Senator Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) welcomed Pastor Jeff Benefield from Chestnut Mountain Church in Flowery Branch on Wednesday to serve as the Chaplain of the Day in the State Senate.
“As we continue to move forward this legislative session, it is important to heed Pastor Benefield’s challenge to work together to accomplish our common goal of best representing the voice of our constituents,” said Sen. Miller. “I am extremely thankful for his presence in chamber today.”
Pastor Benefield began his morning devotional by reminding legislators why they were elected to serve in the Senate. In his address to the legislature, Pastor Benefield said, “You may not have chosen one another, but the State of Georgia chose you to represent this great state.”
His message also referenced Proverbs, Chapter 14 verse 20: “An unlucky loser is shunned by all but everyone loves a winner.” Pastor Benefield then challenged members of the Senate to work cooperatively with both houses of the state legislature by stating “You are winners in your personal lives but especially winners in your legislative lives as you do the work of the state of Georgia.”
“It was an honor to welcome Pastor Benefield to the Senate today. “The tradition of the Senate to begin each day with a devotional and prayer allows us to set our mind and heart in the right direction as we make important policy decisions. As we face daunting challenges during this session, I’m confident that the Senate will answer the call to serve. Today, Pastor Jeff encouraged Senators and inspired each of us to lead our state in the right direction,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.”
Pastor Benefield graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Management in 1985. He began his ministry career by serving as the Senior Pastor at Chestnut Mountain Church in 1996. During his time as pastor, Chestnut Mountain Church’s congregation has grown from 200 to more than 1,000 members. Pastor Benefield and his wife of 16 years, Tamara, have four children: Alli, Ansley, A.J. and Adam.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 10, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028