Josh Cribbs, 35
Executive Pastor
Employer: The Harbor Worship Center
Lives in: Kingsland
Professional responsibilities: Leadership development, strategic planning, pastoral care, community outreach, communication.
Accomplishments/Honors: Ordained Bishop - Church of God.
Community Involvement: Oversee annual Thanksgiving Blessing Box Outreach, and owner and operator of The Cold Cow that has partnered with local nonprofits to provide ice cream and smiles to low income areas of the community.
Why did you go into your particular field? Honestly, I felt called into ministry during a student conference when I was 16 years old. I tried to do other jobs, but ultimately knew I was called to do full-time ministry.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Police detective.
What was your first job? Chick-fil-A cook.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Keep your head up in failure and your head down in success. Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Helping hurting people.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? The value of collaboration: Ministry is a team effort, and collaborating with others can help you achieve your goals and serve your community more effectively.
Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Pastor Mike Sanes. I want to share a small but significant story about my mentor, Pastor Mike Sanes. When I was just 19 years old, I had a strong desire to do ministry, but I had no experience or connections in the ministry. That's when Pastor Mike gave me a chance. He saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself, and he believed in me. He gave me the opportunity to lead our small student ministry and to preach in front of the congregation. I was nervous and unsure of myself, but Pastor Mike's guidance and support helped me to grow and develop my skills. Thanks to his mentorship, I was able to gain valuable experience and confidence in ministry. I will always be grateful to Pastor Mike for giving me a chance and for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. He truly is an amazing mentor and leader.
When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Hunt and fish, hang out with my beautiful wife and daughters, and watch college football.
What is something about you that most people don’t know? I hate eggs, and I’m an Arkansas Razorback fan and I’m not from Arkansas.
How do you hope to grow in your career? I am open to learning new approaches and techniques, and to exploring innovative ways of doing ministry. I believe that this will help me to stay relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world, and to better meet the needs and challenges of the communities I serve.
If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? A small business owner.