One of the things that my wife and I have discovered is that the greatest rewards in ministry started when we stopped focusing on building a ministry and started focusing on building people through relationships.”Dr. Stan Graves, Minister
CULLMAN – Dr. Stan and Myra Graves of Cullman currently serve as pastors for one of Cullman’s newest churches, One New Man Church. The husband and wife team have been married for 34 years and together they have two grown children, Aaron and Erica. Stan has lived in Cullman County, for the most part, since he was 13 years old. He attended Cold Springs High School where he met the love of his life, Myra.
After graduating from high school, Stan received his Bachelor's of Science degree from UAB and then married Myra in 1981. Three years later they relocated to New Orleans and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary together where they began their ministry full time. Stan and Myra moved back to Cullman in 1986 where they have lived and served as pastors of a church every since.
CJ got baptized Sunday!
Posted by One New Man Church on Monday, July 27, 2015
Stan received his Doctorate in Christian Psychology and Counseling in 1998 and Myra accomplished her Master's degree in Counseling. The duo have served in a counseling ministry ever since.
“I became a Christian at a very young age,” Stan explained. “I was raised in church and always had a connection to ministry. I felt the passion and call to preach at the age of 13. I preached my first sermon at that age,” he grinned. “I began to preach revivals then and had many revivals a year from the age of 14 until I got married and became a pastor.”
“I met my wife when I preached revivals at her church,” he continued. “We were friends for years. She was as 'called' to the ministry as I was. I can't talk about my ministry apart from her. We have ministered together throughout our marriage,” he smiled warmly.
“We then founded an interdenominational church called Legacy Church. While there my wife founded a private practice counseling ministry called Grace Life Ministries. I began to work for the Jimmie Hale Mission's Royal Pines Recovery Center part time in 2001. My desire was to get outside the walls of the church and minister in the world. I work full time as a drug and alcohol counselor at Royal Pines now.”
In 2010, Stan and Myra retired from being pastors and started a Bible study in their home with three ex-drug addicts. The Bible study was a big success and it grew by leaps and bounds.
“God's presence blessed us so much that it grew into what is now One New Man Church,” Stan explained. “We officially became a church in January 2012. One New Man Church is built on relationships with each other as a spiritual family. Each week you will find an energizing and electric atmosphere with passionate praise and worship accompanied by God’s message being presented through the free flowing operation of the Gifts of the Spirit.”
Just like any leadership position in a church, there are always challenges. Thankfully, the blessings far outweigh them.
“One of the things that my wife and I have discovered is that the greatest rewards in ministry started when we stopped focusing on building a ministry and started focusing on building people through relationships,” Stan spoke. “The most rewarding moments in ministry is when we see people's lives change by their relationship with Jesus Christ. Our desire is to see people reach their spiritual potential. When people learn to live in their purposes and destiny that is when my wife and I find our greatest joy.”
The work this couple has done during their marriage and their lives is outstanding. They have been a blessing to many and plan to continue their work for years to come.
One New Man Church is located at 2030 Main Ave. SW, Cullman, AL. They meet on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. They recently began a school of discipleship that meets on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/1NewManChurch.
