MIDLAND The Rev. Nathan Headrick had begun preaching as a 17-year-old, but he worked in the carpet industry and as a sheriff’s deputy till becoming a full-time minister.
Christianity runs deep in his family with a cousin and two uncles also serving in the clergy, particularly the retired Rev. Randall Headrick of Old Fort, Tenn., who was the family’s pastor when Headrick was growing up in Murray County, Ga.
“Uncle Randall showed people that he really cared for them by visiting hospitals and nursing homes,” said the Rev. Headrick, who has been pastor of Midland Church of God since 2019. “When you have a pastor who cares, it helps you buy into church and enjoy it more.”
The 5300 Thomason Dr. church was averaging 80 people before the pandemic at its 11 a.m. Sunday services and it had been drawing about 50 in late June.
“We teach the Bible from cover to cover to preach the truth of God’s Word and try to help folks be what they’re supposed to be in Christ by applying the Word to their lives through prayer,” Headrick said. “When you discover God’s purpose for your life, run to it as hard and fast as you can. Don’t waste any time.”
The 38-year-old pastor worked in the carpet business for five years in Chatsworth, Ga., and as a deputy for six years in Bradley County, Tenn., then led churches in Tennessee and Alabama till preaching at Faith Family Church of God in Pearl, Miss., for three years and coming to Midland. His wife’s name is Amber.
“We’re full Gospel,” he said. “We deal with the Trinity quite a bit, especially salvation. The church I grew up in had great opportunities for ministries and teaching Sunday school and we had fantastic services.”
Dawn Lester, who was one of Headrick’s members in Pearl, said he was crucial to her well-being after her husband died of COVID-19 last January. “Pastor Nathan has never left me,” Lester said.
“He drove 11 or 12 hours for the funeral and he checks on me all the time. He came out of love and commitment and I thank God for Nathan Headrick every day. He is a good man on fire for God and a true minister. He loves the Lord and the love of the Lord shines through him every day.
“He doesn’t preach any differently on Wednesday night than he does on Sunday morning. He gives 100 percent every time. I hope all his parishioners appreciate what they have.”
