Learning to serve: The Rev. Zack Strong says he learned to serve in the church at a young age.

The Rev. Zack Strong, senior pastor at Christ Church of the Heartland, said he learned to serve in the church at a young age. As a teenager he served as a youth director and a Sunday school superintendent. As time progressed he became more and more involved in various leadership roles. He now serves as senior pastor at Christ Church of the Heartland and has since December 1997. When he's not serving his congregation or participating on boards and mission trips, Strong enjoys motorcycling in his spare time.

How long have you been a member of your faith? 42 years

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor? Bachelor of Pastoral Theology Degree and Doctor of Divinity Degree

How many years have you served as a pastor? 27 years

Where are you from and when/why did you move to the area? [I am] from Paducah, Ky., and moved to this area to pastor Christ Church of the Heartland.

Were you involved with Christ Church of the Heartland before becoming the pastor? Yes, as a guest minister.

What's your favorite verse and why? John 10:10, "The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." This verse shares the opportunity for everyone to be all they can be and to experience the fullness of life in Jesus Christ -- spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially and relationally.

What program have you done with Christ Church of the Heartland that you are proud of and why? Focus of serving through leadership. All of our programs help people know they belong and are loved here, as well as encourage the people to be involved in the areas in which they enjoy serving.

What events does your church have coming up? We have many events every weekend involving our church and other ministries in our region. Evangelist Ted Shuttlesworth will minister here May 14.

What's your favorite day of the week and why? Sunday/Wednesday with the church people and Monday with my family and our granddaughter, Jaci.

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? Loving people

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? I serve on the board of directors of World Missions and evangelism in Benton, Ky., and the TCT Network board of directors in Marion, Ill.; a member of the World Harvest Church Ministerial Fellowship; travel in missions to Trinidad, England and Wales; am a frequent guest host on the TCT Christian TV Network for "Ask The Pastor" and "TCT Today," and have authored a book, "Building A Spiritual Foundation," which has been used in Bible colleges and Bible studies internationally.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day? II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."