God drew them to Kentucky

By BJ HERNDON

Current Co-Publisher

Kurt Takacs says he felt God's pull to Richmond, Ky., so strongly that he would have moved here to become part of The River Ministries even without being invited by the church to become its pastor.

But asked he was. And on Sept. 5, 2004, in ceremonies at the Richmond Area Arts Center he was commissioned as the second pastor of the 4-year-old church.

 

Takacs was recruited by fellow Michigan native Kevin Flynn, the outgoing pastor who resigned to pursue full-time operation of Live Wire Coffee & Music, an outreach ministry that was occupying increasing amounts of his time. Takacs had been a mentor and friend of Flynn's for many years.

Takacs and his wife, Lana, moved to Richmond from Southfield, Mich., a suburb of Detroit. “We've come to really appreciate this community,” Takacs said. “The civic life here is really extraordinary, especially coming from a megatropolis. I also sense the heart of God in this region.”

Their cozy, 75-year-old home at the edge of Eastern Kentucky University 's campus is perfect for someone passionate about restoration. For this man, who was a licensed residential builder in Michigan, their new home is a labor of love. Takacs also has a passion for developing leaders in God's kingdom, as evidenced by his experience as an instructor for Christian Leadership University of Detroit as well as workshops in Influential Leadership and Basic Life Principles.

Takacs was ordained in October 2003 as minister and pastoral elder at The Crossing Church in Farmington, Mich. He was part the church's network, Restoration Christian Fellowship, for 28 years.

Lana is an experienced librarian assistant seeking similar employment in Madison County. The couple's four adult children and three grandchildren are scattered from Michigan to Texas to California . During their move from Michigan to Kentucky , Lana noted, she experienced a sweet, peaceful feeling of “coming home” as she crossed the Ohio River. Despite what the Takacses felt was this strong calling from God to come to Kentucky , Kurt is hesitant about stating his vision for The River.

“I believe I have heard God indicating to be patient lest I lay the foundation too small,” Takacs said.