Farewell IBC, Hello Corsicana!!
Steve Hayes has been the pastor of young adult Bible communities here at IBC for several years now. He has been a great leader, mentor, and friend, and now he is leaving us. Steve has accepted a job as a head pastor for Grace Community Church in Corsicana, Texas. It is the church where he got his ministerial start as a youth pastor a long time ago. He has stayed in contact with them over the years and taken us on mission trips with their youth.
On Tuesday night, he told us the sad news and gave a short, heartfelt message. At the end of our night, he sang Running to Stand Still from the U2 album Joshua Tree. We all just learned that Steve led worship in the past and we have been asking that he display his talent. 
It’s a weird and awesome thing to see a good friend bring out an unknown skill and do something amazing. His song was wonderful.
We are going to miss Steve. We are going to miss his sense of humor and his unapologetically real messages. On Tuesday he left us with some verses that have meant a lot to him during this transitionary time. Philippians 2:1-8 is about love and fellowship that we see in Christ’s example. Steve asked that we continue to love and serve one another. His prayer for us is that we be real and genuine in the way that we offer friendship, help, and encouragement to our brothers and sisters. Steve did not say this, but what he was really asking is for us to follow his example.
Please leave a note of encouragement, a funny story or a fond memory about Steve on this blog!!!
Steve was an amazing leader at The Hub and Common Ground. He knew exactly how to relate to college students and how to lead a group of young adults into a deeper relationship with the Lord. He opened his home to us and invited us to become a part of his family. We love you Steve and we’ll be up to visit you in Corsicana real soon!!
The first time I met Steve was on our Mexico trip. We bonded over chainsaw falcons and Harry Carey impressions while digging poop holes. Steve has always been there for me with an encourging word or two. I see a lot of myself in him and I hope he and I will still remain close. I love Steve with all my heart.
ok, I commented on your site too, but what the heck, I’ll leave one for ya here too. You will be missed brother. Your authentic approach to everything has been an encouragement to the barnes family.
see you around.
Steve has definitely been there for me when i needed him, and his sermons are always so touching and just very realistic. I dont know Steve all that well, but he will be marrying Jonathan and I next May, so we will definitely be getting to know him and his family a lot.
Steve,
You have been a tremendous encouragement in my life. I know you will do well on this next move. You have a solid pastoral spirit about you. I cannot wait to come to your new church. I am getting my “health and wealth” sermons ready right now!!
Hey man, love you and will miss your craziness in the All Staff meetings at church. Love you and will pray for you when the Lord brings you to mind.
in HIM
michael
i’m gonna miss conversing with you in spanish. you knew how to make me feel like i was in my motherland. you’re the best and i’m gonna miss making fun of life with you!