Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Live Oak Church of God (LOCOG) has been in search of a pastor as of late. Luckily, its search seems to have come to an end with Donnie Shinholser’s family, who has accepted the role of pastor at LOCOG.
Donnie was born in Perry, Fla., in 1972 and graduated from Taylor County High School in 1990. Shortly after graduating high school, Donnie made his way to Lee University, where he graduated in 2002 with a major in pastoral studies. He spent most of his childhood and young adult life in Perry, where he met his wife, Leah, the two will be celebrating 27 years of marriage this year. Donnie’s first job was working for Proctor and Gamble/Buckeye Cellulose, where he stayed for nine years. However, in 2003, he and his family left Perry to go into full-time ministry.
Donnie first started serving as a Youth Pastor at the Perry Church of God in 1998. He continued his service with the Church of God denomination in Lake City as an Associate Pastor. Eventually, he made the jump to the Lead Pastor position in Umatilla, Fla. He continued his service as a Lead Pastor in Miami, then Palmetto. However, the Shinholsers then felt a call to leave the state, heading to Tyler, Texas, where Donnie served as the Executive Pastor. Another call was made and the family eventually made their way to Moorefield, W.V., where he once again served as the Lead Pastor. Yet, the Shinholsers found themselves missing Florida. They were then made aware of the position available at LOCOG and jumped at the opportunity to return close to home. Donnie even spoke about memories he had from his childhood of attending revivals at LOCOG. So, he and his family happily accepted the position at LOCOG.
Now, he is the Lead Pastor at LOCOG, and Leah serves as the Worship Arts Pastor. “We plan on positioning the church for generational growth,” Donnie said while speaking on the future of LOCOG. “We will have a strong kids, youth and young adult program at Live Oak Church of God. We have to invest in our youth now! We are also bringing the Famous Fruit Cakes back.” Donnie’s favorite book of the Old Testament is Exodus, while his favorite book of the New Testament is Ephesians. His favorite verse of the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11, which reads, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (NIV).
Together, Donnie and Leah have one son and two daughters. Zackary, their son, is currently attending Lee University; Rebecka Griffin is happily married; and their other daughter, Alyssa, is presently attending Southeastern University.
LOCOG meets every Sunday at 10:45 a.m. and also hosts Wednesday night services for all ages starting at 7 p.m. LOCOG can be found at 9828 US 129, in Live Oak.
“God has given us a big vision for this area,” Donnie said. “We are called here to break barriers. To go beyond the walls of a building and reach a community for Christ! We will constantly strive to position the church for generational growth. It will cause us to stretch and be uncomfortable at times. However, we will never experience the miracle of walking on the water unless we are willing to step out of our comfort zone. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and show Suwannee County we care. To share the hope of an inward vision. Jesus gave us the instruction to train disciples. Show them how it’s done, and release them into ministry. Let’s go!”