Pastor Jack Dickson

Pastor Jack Dickson graduated from Emporia State University in 1977 with a degree in secondary education with emphasis on social science. For over 20 years, Pastor Jack pursued a career in the retail fashion industry, working first for a large corporation in various positions in management. Later, Jack owned and operated his own business as a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of men's clothing.

Still there seemed to be something missing in his life. In 2001, Jack finally concluded that the world was not big enough to run from his ultimate passion. In the fall of that year, he entered seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO. In 2004, Jack completed his Master of Divinity (MDIV) degree and continued a full time career in professional ministry.

During seminary, Pastor Jack served as pastor to a church in Potwin, Kansas and later served two churches in Arkansas City before assisting in the start of an exciting new ministry at Shepherd's Grace Church. For over 20 years, Pastor Jack has pursued a call from God to professional ministry and a fascination with social justice dedicated to recognizing that we are all God's children and we all must seek to serve one another.

This passion for social justice has led Pastor Jack to a prison ministry that began 15 years ago. In this ministry, he meets regularly with people in El Dorado and Winfield Correctional Facilities in an attempt to let them see God's grace and forgiveness as a very real part of their lives. Pastor Jack believes that there is only one unforgivable sin, and that is "turning one's back on the gift of grace given to humanity through the selfless act of love by Jesus Christ." His hope is that all people might one day come to realize this regardless of the other "sins" they have committed. Forgiveness is at the heart of this recognition.

Additionally, Pastor Jack is active in A.R.E.A., the Alliance to Recognize and End Abuse. 1 of every 3 women and 1 of every 5 men are victims of abuse before they reach the age of 16. Perpetrators are often family members or friends who are trusted by the victim. The mission of A.R.E.A. is to educate people so this abuse can be eliminated. Pastor Jack is committed to the understanding that we all must give voice to victims so perpetrators can be identified and either removed from the ability to abuse or taught that there are ways to manage the illness that causes them to abuse in the first place.

Finally, Pastor Jack has become intimately involved with the condition of homelessness in Cowley County. He served on the inaugural board of directors for Cowley House of Hope and remains involved in securing safe and stable housing for those who find themselves in challenging situations. Rural homelessness looks different than that which exists in urban areas. There are different challenges and issues at stake. Pastor Jack works tirelessly to insure that adequate housing and food are available to all people in Cowley County.