Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Jim Hanchey joins staff of Heritage Christian Church

Heritage Christian Church has added a new face to its ministerial staff which, according to Senior Minister Greg Marksberry, keeps Heritage on the “unconventional” side of staffing.

“Let me see,”Marksberry said. “At last count, I have a former corporate business owner, a traveling music artist, a former stand-up comedian, and so I thought why not hire a banker? We have such a diverse group that makes up our membership so I believe our staff should reflect that. Character, competence, and chemistry are the keys for our staff team.”

Though Hanchey is new to Heritage, he is not new to Fayette County.

“I had no idea how well connected Jim was in this community until I started introducing him to people and they already knew him,” Marksberry said. “He knows more people here than I do.”

That is not surprising when you realize that Jim Hanchey was raised in Tyrone, lettered in three sports at Fayette County High, married his high school sweetheart, and began a very successful career in banking under the tutelage of the man that Georgia Highway 54 is named for — Floy Farr.

Hanchey has 34 years of banking experience serving banks in Peachtree City, Jonesboro, and the past 30 years in Toccoa, where he was executive vice president for Regions Bank and most recently senior vice president for Northeast Georgia Bank.

“I guess it was appropriate for me to start my banking career in Peachtree City since my father owned the very first service station in Peachtree City,” Hanchey said. “I have always loved this part of Georgia and it is great to be back here. I had no idea I would be the executive minister of a church, but God does work in ways I don’t always understand.”

One of the ways that God “worked” that left Hanchey scratching his head and with a broken heart was the death of his beloved wife, Patsy.

“Patsy and I were high school sweethearts and I loved her with all my heart,” says Hanchey, “Her death didn’t make sense. She was the sweetest, loveliest woman I ever knew.”

Events began to happen which members of Heritage can only describe as being “divine guidance,” and Hanchey’s name was suggested as a candidate for the executive minister position at Heritage.

“This was such a crucial position for our church,” states Marksberry, “that we took our time filling this position. We had several strong applicants apply for this position, but God led us to Jim with absolute confidence.”

Heritage has a young pastoral staff and Hanchey is a grandfather, so how did the staff respond to the new guy?

“Jim is a cross between Mr. Rogers and Dick Van Dyke,” states a pastor who wished to remain anonymous. “Seriously, Jim brings a level of leadership and wisdom that will serve Heritage well. We are so thrilled he is here.”

“After Patsy passed away, I felt God leading me in a new direction and I am excited to be a part of the team at Heritage,” Hanchey said.