Pastor Paul Zaspel of the Word of Life Baptist Church in Pottsville celebrated his 20th anniversary as pastor Sunday.
Rick Kantner, co-pastor of the church, said Sunday that they were putting this celebration together for four months and that Zaspel has been faithful to the church for 20 years.
"He's a hard-working man," Kantner said. "He comes from a family of pastors, so it's quite a legacy."
According to a church pamphlet, Word of Life Baptist Church is a Bible believing, Bible teaching church, whose purpose is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, to edify believers in the faith and to attempt to reach the world around us with the gospel of grace for the glory of God.
It also states that Zaspel was raised as the son of a Baptist preacher, the late Dr. James Zaspel, he has a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and a Master of Arts in Theology and has been active in the ministry since 1979.
Kantner also said that Zaspel loves the Bible, is "very educated," energetic and enjoys working with the youth since he offers all sorts of youth activities all week long.
"I came to be the youth and music pastor and I just love working with young people and music has always been a passion for me," Zaspel said. "My brother was the pastor at the time when he left, I came to fill his shoes."
His brother, Fred, was the pastor at Word of Life Baptist Church for 18 years.
Zaspel was previously a pastor in southern Minnesota and first preached in Pottsville on March 7, 1993.
Zaspel is also the pastor of Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Minersville.
"I just love the people here," Zaspel said. "They're a good people to minister to and a joy to serve. I give all the credit to the Lord Jesus."
Zaspel's mother, Connie, was flown in from Minnesota for the celebration.
