Frank and to the Point

PUBLISHED IN THE EVANGEL // June 19, 2007

Pastor Frank Lewis

by Dr. Frank Lewis, senior pastor

Mark Edwards, associate pastor and minister of music at First Baptist Nashville, announced his retirement on Sunday, June 3, at the close of our morning worship service. As he has done countless times before during the course of his near thirty-year ministry under our steeple, he shared this announcement with the same kind of grace and dignity he has exercised as a worship leader and minister. Most of our members are processing his announcement and are aware that this is a time to celebrate a milestone in Mark’s life, as well as in the life of the church.

[click here to listen to Mark's retirement announcement]

We’ll be blessed to have Mark leading us in worship between now and August 26, his last scheduled day for worship leadership responsibilities. Our Personnel Committee will be communicating plans for a churchwide retirement event to honor Mark and his family in future publications of the Evangel. We’ll talk about interim leadership and the formation of a search committee another time as well.

Mark Edwards has been a partner in ministry with me in the truest sense of those words. He cares about the people of this church. He thinks deeply about the themes of scripture and the God behind them. He is one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever met, possessing a work ethic and a focus that is untiring and utterly dependable.

Mercer’s hymnal project could not be entrusted to a more competent individual. When you consider Mark’s ministry with us and think about his new venture in his post-retirement career, it seems that God has had His hand on the entire process. I’m reminded of my favorite Warren Wiersbe quote: “God is preparing you for what God is preparing for you.” This has never been more true than it is to me in this situation.
And as true as this is for Mark Edwards, it’s true for First Baptist Nashville. You may have been surprised by Mark’s announcement, but God was not. God knows what He is doing, His timing can be trusted, and He will not leave us without leadership!

Let me encourage you to be in worship every chance you have in the weeks ahead of us. When you are here, sing with all your heart. You might even decide to join the choir!

Pray for God’s will to be accomplished at First Baptist Nashville as we move forward. I’m reminded of another quote from former pastor Dr. Francis Powell that I’ve learned to love since becoming your pastor: “The past is prologue, the present is unparalleled, and the future is as bright as our faith in God!”

It’s true!