Speaking in a raspy, hoarse voice, the Rev. Robert Wilson counts his blessings as the new pastor of North Christian Church in North Dighton.
Wilson, 48, was diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer around the same time he was appointed the small congregation?s pastor last August.
Having undergone surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital to remove his thyroid and four lymph nodes, Wilson says he is now cancer-free and ready to lead his flock.
?I believe (the cancer) is being used by God to do something in this ministry. I don?t know exactly what, but I think God is doing something in this ministry to actually help bless the people through my affliction,? Wilson said.
A native of the United Kingdom who immigrated to the United States at age 28, Wilson said he has several goals for North Christian Church, at 2360 Chestnut St. in North Dighton.
?I would describe my philosophy of ministry in that I believe I?m called to cultivate people to help them become what God wants them to become,? Wilson said.
Wilson hopes to grow the congregation, which has between 20 to 25 members, by building a website for the church. He also intends to increase the church?s participation in the community for forming strategic alliances with other pastors in the area.
Wilson said his church is also willing to confront "controversial topics" ? such as heaven and who goes there, the meaning of creation and Jesus? ministry ? head-on.
?The goals I have are to build the ministry by getting more exposure for the ministry,? said Wilson, who was ordained a nondenominational minister in May 2010.
Wilson said he worked in finance for 12 years, and owned an investment company in downtown Providence. God and religion did not factor much into his life.
?I was caught up in the typical American way of life, capitalism, materialism, those kind of things,? said Wilson, who added that he suddenly felt ?an internal call? to put his life on a more spiritual course.
?Something just changed and got a hold of me to the point where I couldn?t run my business anymore,? said Wilson, who attended Bible college and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton. He has served in a pastoral capacity since 2006, previously at a nondenominational church in Providence.
His cancer in remission and his body regaining its strength, Wilson said he plans to undergo corrective surgery at some point to get his voice back. In the meantime, he feels welcomed by his new congregation and believes he is where God wants him to be.
?I didn?t want (to be pastor of) a big church, where the pastor would essentially hand me the keys and say, ?It?s all set for you. Just take over,?? Wilson said. ?I wanted a church with potential to grow and for me to implement my own philosophy of ministry. I believe I have that here.?
Email Brian Fraga at bfraga@heraldnews.com.
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