It takes time to get to know people…but when they welcome you like family, it doesn’t take long.

Just one month into his new position as the minister of Kingfisher church of Christ, Josh Basic said he’s been impressed “with the amount of time the congregation has spent in prayer, in thought and in discussing other’s needs and fulfilling those needs.

“The people are extremely welcoming, loving and are a tight-knit group that really cares.”

Serving as the minister at El Reno’s London and Macomb church of Christ for the past three years, Basic said he was contacted by the elders of the Kingfisher congregation about the position when the former minister, Daniel Mayfield, accepted a position in Texas.

“I wasn’t sure (about leaving), because I loved the people of El Reno, but after more time and consideration it just felt right,” Basic said.

Prior to working with the London and Macomb church of Christ, Basic served as an associate minister for two years at Deer Creek church of Christ and also worked in college ministry.

A 2017 graduate of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, Colo., Basic said he has worked part-time in his family’s construction business and also served as chaplain and director of volunteers for Russell-Murray Hospice for which he still holds chaplain duties on an as-needed basis.

Excited to be in Kingfi sher, Basic said he hopes to be an edifying and uplifting force at the church, but also in the community.

“I hope to be able to help people with their relationship and journey towards God and towards heaven,” he added.

Firstthingsfirstthough, Basic said he wants to get to know the congregation and community, because each place has different needs and it’s “kind of a feeling out period,” at the moment.

Discussing what led him down a path of Christian ministry, Basic said, “It’s a lot like the story of Jonah…I think I tried just about everything else and God kept throwing me in the belly of the fish, telling me this is where you need to be.

“It wasn’t until I decided to go to Bear Valley Bible Institute that I felt called to the work of a minister and whether as a full-time or part-time minister, I’ve just tried to listen to God’s calling and where he’s wanted me to be.”

Considering the current state of the world and its many ups and downs, Basic stressed the importance of unity.

“One thing that is very big to me, as well as to God, is unity and I would love to see stronger bonds of unity both in our lives and within our relationships with God,” he said.

In his personal life, Basic said he loves sports, time with family and friends, coffee, is “a bit of foodie” and is looking forward to his upcoming marriage in April to his fiancé, Madelaine Giebler.

“If anyone is looking for a family, a place to call home or looking for a place to deepen their knowledge or their relationship with God, Kingfisher church of Christ is a wonderful place to go,” Basic said.