Originally published in the November 3, 2008 issue of The Evangel.
by Tom Crow, executive pastor
Keep those prayers going! We know prayer makes a difference!
As you pray, remember your church staff and the staff searches presently underway. Our top three search priorities are minister of music (Chair Randy Smith and search committee); minister to children (Chair Bill Young and interview/screening committee); and minister to students (Chair Jason Rogers and interview/screening committee).These committees are working tirelessly. Pastor Frank and I are engaged with the searches actively, as we trust God to lead us to the right individuals.
The children's minister search has taken us near and far; we have met, visited, interviewed, or inquired about more than fifty candidates. Conversations have gone deep, only to discover a block of one sort or another. Our committee is praying over specific individuals even now, and we are hopeful that the right candidate is within our present field. Thank you to the many volunteers and helpers who have provided outstanding leadership throughout this year--do not lose heart, do not grow weary in good deeds--the time will come (and soon we pray!) that the committee can recommend a candidate who has all the right tools for ministry with us.
Our student minister interview/screening committee has just formed and will hold listening sessions for input November 9 and 12 (see times noted in this Evangel). Your suggestions and insights are welcome and encouraged, of course!
Your recommendations are also welcome for each of these positions. Feel free to contact the church office for direct communication with one of these chairs, or submit your suggestion and resume to my office, whereupon we will share with the appropriate committee.
Our 2009 Budget will be voted on November 9; the Finance and Budget Committees have done a great job of prayerfully considering each request, responding to each suggestion, and attempting to keep a close reign on the overall budget while being people of faith and vision. We hope you'll not only support the budget proposal when it is time to vote, but even more importantly to support the Lord's work through your tithes and offerings.
It is a very important time of year and season for the church, with seasonal outreach opportunities, considering new staff members, and meeting our financial obligations. Please remember your church mission in your end-of-year contributions. FirstFruits offerings will be received throughout November. These offerings will help us fully fund church missions and ministries, which have been curtailed to match income. Let's finish the year strong and ready to take on the challenges of 2009 from January 1 on!
God bless you in your faithful support of the Lord through First Baptist Nashville.
