From the Pastor's Desk

We are currently working on seeking a new Associate Pastor. Our framework will follow these lines:

June 15-29 Questionnaire For Church Survey to be completed by members and faithful attenders of First Baptist. This is not a voting document. It is a questionnaire seeking input as to the perceived ministry needs at F.B.C. In order to be tabulated we ask that you honestly circle either “member” or “Non-member.” We have many faithful attenders at FBC who support this ministry. Your input is welcomed and seriously considered. However we also realize that when the time comes for voting on hiring a new staff person only those who are members and 14 or older can vote. [AGAIN this questionnaire is not a vote - it is only a needs assessment that can help guide the Search Committee in desired qualifications]

After June 29 the Executive Board will activate a nomination committee to select and recommend a slate of seven (7) people to seek out qualified candidates. Two (2) of the 7 will be church youth. If they are 14 or older and a church member they will be able to vote and they can also experience and share in the search process, the interview process and the recommendation process as well as be a liaison to the youth group. They will have insights that will benefit this whole process.

After initial interviews have been done the Search Committee will share their top candidate(s) with the Senior Pastor for his input. Upon his approval and the Search Committee’s approval the top candidate will be presented to the church body for consideration. This may include (but not limited to) a potluck and fellowship time for getting better acquainted and having a “question and answer” time; presentation at a Sunday morning service with a likelihood of the candidate preaching (or at least sharing for a few minutes); followed by a vote of members 14 and older either that Sunday or the next Sunday.

How long will this process take? Not sure, but hopefully by the end of 2008 we will have or be close to having the staff person God has in store for FBC. This is the general framework we start with but is always subject to the Holy Spirit’s Change. Please keep FBC, the Search Committee and all involved in prayer. May God guide us in this endeavor.

Pastor Lloyd