Chad Lamb | Elder

Five ways to describe him: Devoted family man, passionate Christ-follower, has a wry sense of humor, compassionate and caring physician, and proficient handyman.

Family: Chad's wife, Fran, is his best friend and chief supporter. They met in college serving in a student government group. Together they have two wonderful teenagers. Chad & Fran live in southern Madison County, just outside Pendleton. They have attended White River since February 2005.

What he loves: Chad loves for his family to scratch his back, computer war games, cheesecake and chocolate, David Webber science fiction novels, good movie plots, playing the Wii with his kids, alone time to recharge his introvert batteries, showing friends & colleagues his favorite funny internet clips, and "Baby Blues" and "Zits" comic strips (it's a parent thing.) Wasn't he once Superman? Chad 's hometown is Metropolis Illinois, hometown of Superman. His parents still live there and the whole town is decorated with Superman themes. Once Chad showed up at the dignified College President's home for a (NON-costume) party dressed in his Superman costume, complete with red cape and tights. Amazing that his date that night would later still marry him…

Dreams for ministry: Chad would love for all of WRCC to reach their own spheres of influence for Christ, and then to multiply ourselves many times over with "spiritual" children, grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren! In order to accomplish this, Christians must become deeper, mature disciples of Jesus Christ. How does this metamorphosis' happen?

"If all human strivings end in moral bankruptcy (and having tried it, we know it is so), and if righteousness is a gracious gift from God (as the Bible clearly states), then is it not logical to conclude that we must wait for God to come and transform us? Strangely enough, the answer is no. The analysis is correct -- human striving IS insufficient and righteousness IS a gift from God -- but the conclusion is faulty. Happily there is something we can do. We do not need to be hung on the horns of the dilemma of either human works or idleness. God has given us the Disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving his grace. The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us."
Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline.

Goals for the future: Become a more consistent and passionate disciple himself. Work alongside the Holy Spirit in molding his children to be passionate Christ followers and workers who "rightly handle the Word of God." Help develop a vigorous adult education program at WRCC to deepen our members' walk with Christ. Introduce more of his patients to Jesus.

Other places his talents have taken him: Chad and Fran served with "His Healing Hands" charitable medical clinic in Madison County for many years. Chad has also served in overseas missions to Costa Rica, Venezuela, Guatemala, Columbia, the Wichole Indians in Mexico's Madrea Mountains, and in Panama with a group from WRCC. He sees his primary ministry as his family and his local medical practice.

Where he learned his stuff: Chad & Fran both graduated with bachelor degrees from Murray State University in south-central Kentucky. Chad then went on to receive his medical diploma from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. He further studied in a one-year internship and then two year Family Practice Residency program with the military at Scott AFB in Illinois. Finally he served three years at Shepherd Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas as part of a U.K. scholarship pay-back. He has been in a thriving private practice with a group of five Christian family-practice physicians in Anderson since 1994.

What is his specialty: Chad especially enjoys encouraging adults to go deeper in their walk with God, to not be satisfied with merely a distant relationship with Jesus as their eternal "life insurance policy." Chad, together with Dave Zook, has worked with Pastor Phil Heller in developing an adult discipleship course called "Beginnings." The eight-week class is offered several times a year on Sunday mornings. Chad also serves as one of the speakers at the "Welcome to White River" orientation.

Why he wanted to work at WRCC: Chad wanted to get involved because he believes active service is the best way to put his Christian faith into action. While things at White River might appear on the surface to run very smoothly, but the reality is that this big church needs people of deep faith in every single area. Chad thinks that God's people are all one individual piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle, and when Christians serve together, the canvas of our small work become a masterpiece painting.

The best thing about serving at WRCC: To Chad the best thing about serving at WRCC is our leadership's dependence upon God and their commitment to biblical principles. Yet, while keeping aligned with our forefathers' traditional values, the church is nonetheless open to innovative ways to "do church" and reach lost people for Christ. Chad is excited about our church's current period of transition and growth and the unparalleled opportunities now in front of us. He loves how WRCC welcomes thinking "outside the box." To him White River is the best of both worlds -- ancient uncompromised Wisdom wrapped in today's language, so that our modern culture can understand the real message.

Hobbies: Chad enjoys bicycling and occasionally rides with a bike club. (This hobby originated with his father who has set national bicycling records in the Senior Olympics.) Chad is also an excellent woodworker; several pieces of his fine furniture are used in the Lamb home.

When he's not here: When Chad is not at WRCC, he enjoys spending time with his family, but when he needs his "brain candy" he will battle in computer war games, or read/watch a good science fiction thriller.