Burnett called to lead local ministries

CELINA - When the Rev. Tim Clutter earlier this year announced he would step down as executive director of CALL Ministries at the end of September, he made it clear that God would play a role in selecting his successor.

Clutter, who for nearly a decade has served as the organization's face, and the ministry's board of directors said they wanted "a Godly servant leader to be led to us."

Three weeks ago, Homer and Carol Burnett, a Celina couple with extensive ministerial and nonprofit experience, including founding Lots for Soldiers, walked through the doors of the ministry at 420 N. Brandon Ave. looking for volunteer opportunities. Clutter knew that his prayers had been answered.

"My stance is always, 'OK, God, why did you send these two people here?' " Clutter said.

Carol Burnett showed an interest in volunteering with the ministry's clothing drive, and Homer Burnett became excited about the organization's aquaponics system launched in early 2017 that produces fresh kale, spinach, lettuce, strawberries, kohlrabi and other mostly leafy green plants for clients.

"I was actually surprised when he walked in because I thought he was busy with the ministry that he had founded, and so I was pleasantly surprised when he was available," Clutter said.

Yet an urge to serve in a larger capacity overtook Homer Burnett and for three weeks he said he wrestled with God over the idea of submitting his name for the executive director position.

That internal struggle was borne out of the realization of the commitment required to lead a large nonprofit with a food pantry that provides more than 500 families each month with enough food to make 42,000 meals.

"It's all encompassing. There's really no day off. You're always praying about it. You're aways thinking about it. There's always something going on," Clutter said. "Now we have a great team that makes all the day-to-day stuff happen, but it's the overseeing part that's always on your mind."

God showed Homer Burnett the way, and he soon officially announced his desire to take on the director's role. He sat down with the board and the members loved him, Clutter noted, pointing to Homer Burnett's business acumen, ministerial experience, godliness and servant's heart.  

"And his genuineness. That's what the board really enjoyed during the interview process," Clutter said. "And in this position, everything is predicated on donations flowing in, and if people don't trust you to do the right thing with the money, then it's not going to last very long."

Homer Burnett, Clutter said, is just the man to inspire the public's continued trust and faith in CALL Ministries.

"I have compassion for our fellow citizens," Homer Burnett told the newspaper. "I feel blessed with the gifts and privileges that God's given me so I want to pay back in any way possible."

His resume is filled with experiences both in the private sector and the volunteer side. He spent his adult life in various management positions in numerous industries, retiring from S&K Products Co. four years ago.

He has been very active with Celina's First Church of God, serving on committees and in various capacities, including as board president. He also participated in and led missions to Native American reservations in North Dakota, to Appalachia and to Louisiana to provide relief after Hurricane Katrina.

He served as a board chairman of Choosing Life Pregnancy Center and alongside his wife founded Lots for Soldiers, a nonprofit organization that provides homes at the lowest possible price to those who have served or are serving in the armed forces, before handing over the lead to other board members.

Now, Homer Burnett will soon head up CALL Ministries. Clutter will stay on through Oct. 1.

"This gives Homer and I a chance to work together and wander around together and show him the ropes," Clutter said. "And again, I'm retired but I'm not going anyplace. I'm going to be here in Celina … so if Homer has a situation, I'm right here."

With the board's willingness, CALL, founded in 1990, has since expanded considerably beyond a food pantry, adding a clothing pantry, backpack program, summer meals program and numerous other ministries.

Placing their faith in God over the government, Clutter said CALL Ministries officials in November 2011 severed ties with the West Ohio Food Bank so organizers could begin requiring proof of low-income status - something they couldn't do while tied to the government-run organization.

The board came up with a new food-distribution system in March 2012 that takes into account family income and size.

Finances grew to the point where the board began purchasing food in bulk in 2012, leading to savings of up to $45,000 annually, Clutter said, crediting the publicity generated by media, speaking engagements, tours and word of mouth.

"God then began to bless the organization with a continual blooming of new ministries, new volunteers and new resources," Clutter said, pointing to the clothing pantry, backpack program, summer meals program, CALL Cafe, homeless hotel program and other ministries and initiatives.