Jayme "Dusty" Murphy, following months of Bible studies, essays and exams, joined a half-dozen deacons and senior members of the congregation on the altar and quietly answered "yes" when Pastor Tom Bates asked him, "Do you understand what I've read tonight, and do you understand the importance of this charge?"

Murphy, 23, of Florence, who once walked into a service sporting a black leather mini-skirt, dreadlocks and piercings, on Sunday wore a gray three-piece suit and short hair to receive the laying on of hands and anointing as his wife, Brenda, looked on.

The audience of about 800 people gave Murphy a standing ovation as he stood up to be ordained.

Murphy served three years behind bars for the 1998 torching of Fairview Christian Church near Williamstown on Halloween night.

While in jail, Murphy gave his life to God.

Michelle Mercer, 19, of Dry Ridge, who has attended the church for five years, said Murphy's past does not bother her.

"I'm sure everyone has something in their past that they're not proud of. God forgives and forgets."

Said Murphy's wife, Brenda, "We've seen so many people who had bad feelings toward him who've been just blown away by the change in our lives."

"I think it's a wonderful story that needs to be told that change can happen, that there is hope," said Dean Brock, 49, of Warsaw, a member of the congregation who's known Murphy about eight months. "I'm proud of him."

Murphy said before the service that he was both happy and excited.

Murphy said he hopes to pursue an associate's degree and possibly full-time ministry.

"I've spent the whole weekend praying and talking with the elders," Murphy said. "I'm at peace now."

E-mail loakes@enquirer.com