Haithcock is Mitchell award winner
Dr. Virgil Mitchell, second from right, presented the V.A. Mitchell Excellence in Pastoral Ministry Award to Dr. Ronald L. Haithcock, second from left, pastor of Long Shoals Wesleyan Church in Lincolnton, N.C. during Southern Wesleyan University’s annual Area Minister’s Conference. Also pictured are Dr. Mitchell’s wife, Mary, and Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern WesleyanUniversity.
Dr. Virgil Mitchell presented the V.A. Mitchell Excellence in Pastoral Ministry Award to Dr. Ronald L. Haithcock, pastor of Long Shoals Wesleyan Church in Lincolnton, N.C.
The presentation was made during Southern Wesleyan University’s annual Area Minister’s Conference, which attracted more than 200 spiritual leaders from the region.
“Not only is Dr. Haithcock an outstanding pastor and leader, he has served his church in numerous leadership capacities including the District Board of Administration, District Board of Ministerial Development, Assistant District Secretary and other areas of service,” said Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University. “His ministry is viewed with respect by his peers and his leadership ability is second only to his kind and gracious character. His positive attitude and love for people is evident to all who know him.”
Haithcock is the twelfth recipient of the award, which salutes pastors who have made a significant impact in the development of their churches and communities. Mitchell, age 91, is an alumnus of the Southern Wesleyan University and a longtime supporter of the institution.
The purpose of the Virgil A. Mitchell Excellence in Pastoral Ministry Award is to encourage excellence in ministry, enhance the importance of pastoral ministry, to recognize service to the church and support of Southern Wesleyan University, to emphasize the value of ministerial training offered at Southern Wesleyan University and most of all to exalt the Greatest preacher of them all -- The Lord Jesus Christ.
The award includes a presentation plaque presented by Dr. Mitchell, a monetary gift and first consideration for eligibility for the Virgil and Mary Mitchell Scholarship to a ministerial student attending Southern Wesleyan and attending the recipient’s church.
Haithcock is a native of North Carolina. He is a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University, Asbury Seminary and Drew University.
“In each of the churches where he has pastored, the congregation has experienced numerical and financial growth and, most importantly, vibrant spiritual growth,” Spittal said.
Haithcock and his wife, Susan, are the parents of four children.
“He has been an ardent supporter of the values of Southern Wesleyan University and its Christian mission,” Spittal said. “Dr. Haithcock’s commitment to his family and to his God is the best evidence of his commitment to his ministry.”
Haithcock has pastored congregations at Fletcher’s Chapel Wesleyan, Old Fort Wesleyan and, for the past 18 years, has served as pastor of the Long Shoals Wesleyan Church in Lincolnton, N.C.