Byron Fike

Pulpit Minister

FAITH JOURNEY

How did you come to know Christ? Why do you follow and put your faith in Him?

 I was extremely blessed to be born into a family of faithful followers of Jesus. My parents and grandparents on both sides were Christians. Following the dictates of my arrogant, self-centered sinful nature, I rebelled against my family heritage as a teenager. As the prophet said, “Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7). When life fell apart I returned like the prodigal son, only to find my heavenly Father more than willing to accept a wretch like me.

How has Christ changed your life?

 After more than 30 years of following Jesus as Lord the changes in my life have been legion. So many changes have happened that my wife tells people that she’s been married to 3 different men all of whom are named Byron Fike.   My initial change was from darkness to light as I gave up running my own life and surrendered my allegiance to King Jesus. That began a process of discipleship where God reveals areas of my life in need of transformation and calls upon me to repent and receive the changed life he has prepared for me. So much has needed his refining touch that he graciously shows it to me in small doses. (Of course at the time the doses seem really BIG to me!) He’s exposed my secretarianism, prejudice, idolatry, arrogance, etc. . . . and, upon my repentance, has replaced my self-centered nature with the person of Jesus Christ who lives within me by means of his spirit. 

What have been your greatest struggles being a disciple of Christ?

See the answer to the question above.

What builds your faith and gives you hope?

 I enjoy reading all kinds of books, but especially enjoy biographical material. Reading about men of faith inspires me to continue to grow in my faith. I love reading about C.S. Lewis, George Muller, Henri Nouwen, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Steve Saint, William Wilberforce, St. Francis, and on and on the list goes. And, of course, I often read the stories of Abraham, David, Daniel, Paul the Apostle and other faithful men found in Scripture. I find nothing inspires my hope in the future like reflecting on the lives of faithful men from the past. They point me to the Savior on whom all my hope is fixed. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

MINISTRY AND CHURCH

How would you describe your “calling”?

Someone once told me that to find your “calling” in life see what it is that makes you feel alive; like you were made to do this. That’s the way I feel about preaching and helping people understand the message of Christ for their lives. It may be difficult at times, or even exhausting; but in my heart I know God has created me to do this.

What is your primary area(s) of ministry and how has God equipped you to serve?

I sum up my work in three words: Prayer, People, and Preaching. Prayer plays a critical role in my personal life as well as my ministry. The highlight of my prayer life is my annual private prayer retreat where I spend a week alone with God. People are what ministry is all about. I give particular attention to introducing people to Jesus for the first time, or helping people who are struggling with faith. In preaching and teaching I find that I must teach people what God has taught me. I am the student before I become the teacher.

How do you see God working within Clear Lake Church of Christ?

God has assembled a wonderful ministry team that works well together along with our shepherds. I also see people recognizing the gifts the Spirit has given to them individually and using them for the benefit of the whole church. Our church has moved through some of the sectarian beliefs that come from our heritage and yet has retained the best part of our background. Our involvement in serving the community has given us a great reputation as a church that truly cares for people. 

PERSONAL

Tell us about your family.

 I’ve been married to the same wonderful woman since 1981. We are blessed to have three grown children who have devoted their lives to serving the Lord.   Our oldest son is married and going to dental school in Dallas. Our second born son is in the graduate school of theology at Abilene Christian; and our daughter lives with her husband in San Antonio while she finishes her degree in Social Work.

What are your hobbies and interests?

 I like good books, good movies and playing with my two little dogs Willie and Bear. I also take great interest in University of Alabama football. (I grew up in Tuscaloosa during the glory days of Bear Bryant.) Roll Tide! 

What is your education and work background? 

 I have a bachelors’ degree in Bible from Harding University and a masters in theology from Harding’s graduate School. I have worked with churches in Arkansas, Memphis, New Mexico, and St. Louis. My longest stays have been with the Rocky Mountain Church of Christ in Fort Collins, Colorado (11 years) and Clear Lake Church of Christ here in Houston (since 1999).   I spent five years doing Campus ministry at New Mexico State and Colorado State Universities before turning my primary attention to preaching ministry.