CLOVIS — The new preacher at Clovis' Central Baptist Church has two messages for the community:
1) "I don't want to just be the guy up front, I want to get to know people," Michael Kirby said.
2) "I'm a hugger."
Kirby, 42, comes to the community from Ringgold, Georgia, with 20 years of service across the Southeast.
He succeeds Alan McAlister, who left last year.
Dick Ross, interim associate pastor, said the committee in charge of hiring the new pastor chose Kirby out of 300-plus candidates.
The committee was "very impressed" with Kirby's experience, and enthusiasm, Ross said.
Although Clovis is a big change for Kirby and his family, Kirby said they, "just felt led by God to come here."
After a short visit, Kirby said they fell in love with the area.
Kirby said he wants his new congregation to reach out to military families, especially in terms of helping make their adjustment to Clovis easier, and making them feel welcome.
"We felt like we were led here, and we chose that, but I think a lot of military families don't always have that choice," he said.
He said he's already learned the church is "loving and caring" and "open to everyone" and he feels blessed to be a part of it.
"Our biggest priority is to lift up the name of Jesus and love people," he said.