WHEREAS, the Reverend C. Craig Burns retired as lead pastor of Vienna Assembly of God Church in January 2018, after more than 30 years of wise leadership and generous contributions to the community; and

WHEREAS, during his long tenure as pastor, Craig Burns helped Vienna Assembly of God Church grow in faith and membership, and he earned respect as an engaged leader in local civic life; and

WHEREAS, after earning his master's degree, Craig Burns continued his personal and spiritual growth with a three-week trip to Africa, where he ministered to communities in two African nations; and

WHEREAS, an experienced missionary, Craig Burns taught a leadership ethics class that grew to an enrollment of 250 people in Tanzania, then presented a two-week curriculum on God and angels in Ethiopia; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement, Craig Burns was succeeded as lead pastor by his wife, Brenda, who was elected by the congregation in November 2017; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Reverend C. Craig Burns hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement as lead pastor of Vienna Assembly of God Church; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend C. Craig Burns as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his spiritual and civic leadership.