Originally published in the September 22, 2008 issue of The Evangel.
by Dr. Frank Lewis, senior pastor
In all things...give thanks. (Even in the midst of people coming and going.)
We were sad to say good-bye to Josh Crosby, our Student Minister, but we do so with reason to be thankful. Josh leaves us better than he found us. We have a strong group of parents and other lay volunteers who are committed to helping us maintain and grow a strong student ministry. It will make finding a new Student Minister a little easier once word gets out that we are in such good shape with so much potential for growth and ministry.
The search for a minister to oversee our preschool and children's ministry continues, but as it does we are thankful for the wonderful spirit of our parents who are pulling together to ensure that our children have the best we can offer them at First Baptist Nashville. Annessa Jean continues giving leadership to the preschool area during this time and we are blessed with her sweet spirit and caring attention.
Assisting both areas of ministry is our new Student/Children's Ministry Assistant, Lele Fain. Lele brings the experience of growing up at First Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, along with internship experience from Rolling Hills Community Church. She loves being at a downtown church and is already making a significant contribution to our team. I know you will join me in making her feel welcome!
Paul Clark continues to regain his physical strength and is giving excellent leadership to our music ministry. We are thankful that he is back with us and will be able to provide continued leadership as our search committee works to find the person God has for us. Advent is drawing near and with Paul's leadership, we'll look forward to another great season of worship.
Our Thursday Business Lunch audience has exceeded 200 on both of our first two weeks following the grand re-opening of our Fellowship Hall. It has been great fun to reconnect with our downtown friends, and First Baptist Nashville is to be commended for the great job you are doing in making this ministry possible. The Bridge is reaching between 50 and 70 students a week from 6 different colleges and universities in the area. Our outreach efforts and publicity for the Ruth Graham and Friends Get Growing Conference and Fireproof are helping us extend our presence in the community as well. We are thankful for Rebekah Weber's enthusiastic "I'm on it" attitude in our Communications Office.
As you read this, you'll notice that it's an article about people who continue to make First Baptist Nashville a special church. That's the way it's been for about 189 years now. Things change. People come and go, and come. We move forward with the dedicated faithfulness of each member and in doing so, we reach, minister, care, intersect, infold, embrace, and nurture those God brings to this place. Loving God, loving people.
Thanks for your prayers in all things transitional.
