Mission Statement

The Congregation of First Baptist Church of Gatesville engaged in a Core Values Workshop September 30th and October 7th.  The results of that workshop were shared in our October 8th post.  The Intentional Interim Leadership Team has been working with that information since to bring a recommendation to the church.

Yesterday, with the Leadership Team's recommendation, First Baptist Church of Gatesville unanimously adopted the following as our church Mission Statement:

First Baptist Church of Gatesville is a missional, Bible-teaching fellowship which sincerely worships Jesus Christ.

This mission statement is paired with the following further explanation:

Missional:  Broad term

• A church on mission for God.
• A church involved in ministry/missions efforts locally and globally.
• A church that reaches outside the walls of the church building in missions/ministries activities.
• A church involved in this community.
• An evangelistic congregation seeking to lead people to faith in Christ and seeking to grow the kingdom of Christ.
• A church committed to a God-given vision, becoming what God desires.

Bible-teaching:  A church that teaches, preaches and seeks to live according to Biblical principles.

Fellowship:  A genuine community of believers ministering together, serving each other, and being served, as needs arise with heartfelt love.  We are family.

Worship:  A church that values sincere worship of God in Jesus Christ in partnership with the Holy Sprit; a congregation that worships our Lord with our total being.

Report on Core Values Workshop

Report on Core Values Workshop (conducted September 30, 2012) by Dr. Levi Price

Fifty to sixty people were present for the Core Values Workshop. These were divided into ten small groups for the workshop time.  The atmosphere was very positive.  Several folks told me they were glad we did this and that they thought it was a very good thing. 

Top Tier Concepts

1.       A Missional Church.  This is the leading concept discussed during the workshop.  It was stated some thirty-six (36) times.  This included statements about involvement in local missions/ministries efforts, local outreach, witnessing (soul-winning), and missions support (support of missions efforts globally).  This is no surprise because of the emphasis on hands on missions/ministries and upon outreach (First Connections) and upon missions support (North American and State missions offerings) that have been very evident during the time I have been here.  This was no surprise to me.  I could have told anyone that it was a part of the DNA of this church.  Whether this has always been the leading concept or not, I do not know.  But it is surely the leading concept now.

2.       Fellowship, Community, “koinonia”.  This close second concept, thirty-three (33) times, was found in each of the small groups.  It includes ideas of close relationships, family atmosphere, compassion among members, welcoming spirit, love, unity, friendly environment, and cross-generational fellowship.  Also included were negative thoughts such as, “We need everyone to be together in unity,” etc.  Again, this was no surprise to me. I can clearly see the fellowship is very strong, although I am aware it has been tested in the recent past.

3.       These two concepts are far and away the predominant concepts of the congregation at this time.

Second Tier Concepts

1.       Bible Emphasis.  The importance of emphasis on the Bible is stressed twenty (20) times.  This includes biblical preaching and teaching, with Sunday School mentioned four (4) times.  I have included Sunday School here.  If we take it out, then the biblical emphasis would have been mentioned sixteen (16) times. 

2.       Worship.  Emphasis on worship is stated sixteen (16) times.  This is enough to get it into this tier of concepts important to the people of this congregation.  A potential problem exists here because about two-thirds of the comments are tilted toward traditional worship style, while one-third is a desire for contemporary style worship.  Generally, the statements are positive about our worship now.

Third Tier Concepts

1.       Youth and Children Programs. These programs were discussed ten (10) times, which shows the importance of these programs to the congregation.

2.        Discipleship (All Ages).  Eight (8) times.  Basically, the thought is that the congregation should be doing more in this area.

3.       Organization (Need for).  Eight (8) times.  The feeling that the church needs to be better organized, have precise guidelines and policies for a better functioning church congregation.

4.       Desire for Pastoral leadership.  Eight (8) times.  As stated, the idea that the church needs a person with a Pastor’s heart, rather than just a preacher, etc.  This is very interesting and needs to be kept in our thoughts.  Someone said the church needs a “young Levi” (I am not sure how to take that!).  There was another comment that Ben and Laura should be pastor. This surely shows a love and respect for Ben and Laura.  All else beside, this idea of pastoral leadership must be kept in mind.

5.       Servant Attitude.  Seven (7) times.  The idea that we should serve each other in the fellowship, and that we should be servants to those outside the congregation.

6.       Small Groups.  Six (6) times.  That many of the congregation have had their lives affected and transformed by the small groups is obvious.

Honorable Mention

1.       More Openness.  Five (5) times.  I am not quite sure what this means, but a desire that the congregation be more open.

2.       Need for more information/communication.  Four (4) times.

3.       Emphasis on Baptist Faith.  Three (3) times.

4.       Family Orientation.  Three (3) times.  That the church’s total ministries should be family oriented.

5.       Deacon Questions.  Three (3) times.  Who are the deacons?  What should the deacons do? Etc.

6.       Prayer.  Three (3) times.

7.       Women in Ministry.  Three (3) times.  Women should be included more in the leadership of the church.

8.       Diversity.  Two (2) times.

Mentioned Once

1.       Tradition.

2.       Communion.  Communion services should take the entire service and not be “tacked on” the end of the service.

3.       Authenticity.  This came primarily from one group, but is stated very strongly.

4.       Men’s Ministry.

5.       Midweek Something. 

6.       Desire for Full-time Staff.

Note:  Eight (8) times, it is stated clearly that people like the direction of the church right now.  This is clearly positive.

Interim Leadership Team Update

The leadership team is carrying forward with the first task in the interim process:  History.  

On July 22 Alan Lefever, the Director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection, was our guest.  He preached in the morning worship service and offered a question & answer session during lunch.  During Dr. Lefever's visit some questions were raised about what makes Baptists distinct.  The leadership team would like to share a free internet resource that further explains those distinctives with those interested in learning more.  On the website http://baptistdistinctives.org/articles/ 27 articles written by William M. Pinson, Jr., a Texas Baptist, take a deeper look at those things that make Baptists unique.  The leadership team welcomes you to take advantage of this great resource.

We will continue our look at history on the mornings of August 12 and 19 as our own Gwen Zeigler will present the history of First Baptist Church during the Sunday School hour beginning at 9:45 a.m.  Everyone 12 years old and older is invited to gather in the Sanctuary to hear an overview of the people, buildings, and happenings in our church's history.  For these two Sundays the nursery and toddler Sunday School classes will meet as normal, and all children Pre-K through 4th grade will meet in the fellowship hall for Kids Church.  This will take the place of Kids Church during worship services for the month of August.  

The leadership team values your input, and has placed a suggestion box in the church foyer.  Simply drop your signed suggestion in the box for the team's consideration.  Another avenue of sharing with the leadership team is the upcoming "Forum of Concern".  This event will be held August 26 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  At this forum the leadership team invites all church members to share any concern or questions they may have relating to the operation of our church.  The team will review all subjects raised at this session and will use that information as it forms its recommendations to the church.

Remember to keep our interim pastor, Dr. Levi Price, and the members of the leadership team in your prayers as they do the important work of leading us through the intentional interim process.

Intentional Interim Update

We are continuing through the Intentional Interim process as a church.  We have called Dr. Levi Price to serve as our interim pastor.  To see Dr. Price's explanation of how the process will work watch this video.

One of the first steps in the process was selecting an Interim Leadership Team.  The church has selected the following members to serve:

Chris Carroll

Kyle Cooper

Oma Lee Coward

Joyce Edmond

Ken Fowler

Robert Grisham

Gary Kafer

Lera Lam

Steve Norris

Bob Salter

Vance Stephens

Keith Steward

Donna Sweaney

Gwen Zeigler

This team is already meeting and beginning their work.  Please keep the team and Dr. Price in your prayers throughout the process.

Interim Pastor Search Committee Update

As you know, nominations were accepted from the church to fill our Interim Pastor Search Committee.  The following members have agreed to accept the church's nomination and will be serving on the Interim Pastor Search Committee:

Kyle Cooper
Bob Salter
Vance Stephens
Keith Steward
Robert Grisham

Please remember to keep this committee in your prayers as they go through the process of selecting a Interim Pastor to lead us through the Intentional Interim Ministry Program.

For more information about the Intentional Interim Ministry Program visit this website.

Vacation Bible School

Sky: Everything is possible with God!

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Vacation Bible School of course! If you were unable to make the meeting this Sunday here might be some information that you will want to know!

Dates: Monday June 4th - Friday June 8th

Time: 6pm - 8:15pm

Dinner will be served at 5:30pm

The Sky experience is unlike anything your kids have ever done before.  As they're surrounded by God's Word, the reality of God's love gains new meaning and relevance to their everyday lives.  Plus, they'll have an amazing time trying out new games, songs, and awesome science experiments, and more!

Pre-Registration begins May 13th, 2012

There is a place for you to come and get involved! We are in need of Crew Leaders, Hall Monitors, Van Drivers, Food Prep/Donation, Set up/Take Down, and Nursery Workers. 

Volunteer Definitions:

Crew Leader: "The Coolest Adults in Town", you will be called after you get to travel with kids to each station, play games with them, pray with them, and get to see God transform their lives! It's an awesome job! 

Hall Monitors: "The Enforcers" Amazing Volunteers who are looking out for where kid's are suppose to be.  Keeping eyes open so everyone is secure and safe! 

Van Drivers: "The Cab Drivers" gets to give those kids who don't have a ride the opportunity to not miss out on this special week! Cab hat not required, but encouraged!  

Food Prep: "The Cooks" Volunteers who make dinner and/or prepare for the kid's evening snack stations.  Yum!!! 

Set Up/Take Down: "VBS Fairies" who make the magic of Vacation Bible School appear on Sunday June 3rd & take it back to it's magical closet on Friday June 8th.  

Nursery Workers: "Mary Poppins" the really cool people with Mary Poppins powers to make learning fun and age appropriate! 

Can't wait to see how God will lead you to share your time and gifts to make this week an amazing time where God not only encounters these kids, but YOU as well! 

If you have any questions contact me at laura@fbcgatesville.org or call the church office at 254.865.2014 

 

-LAURA BETH

Interim Pastor Search Update

On Sunday, March 25 the church voted to enter into an agreement with the Intentional Interim Minisry as introduced to us by Dr. Fickling.  Our church will begin the process of hiring an interim pastor to help us articulate our mission and our vision for the future.  The interim, trained in the Intentional Interim Ministry process, is a neutral, skilled facilitator who will help our church reach consensus on critical issues where there might be disagreement.  After the process of articulating the mission and vision is complete, our church will then begin the process of finding and hiring a permanent pastor to help us achieve our mission and vision.

Our next step is selecting an Interim Pastor Search Committee.  On Sunday, April 15, nomination forms will be distributed during the morning worship service.  Each member will be invited to nominate up to 5 active church members to serve on the Interim Pastor Search Committee.  The nomination forms will be collected at the conclusion of the service.  Please prayerfully consider whom God is leading to serve in this capacity for our church.

More information about the Intentional Interim Ministry is available here.

If you have any questions about the process, feel free to contact Mike Barr, Chairman of the Deacons, or contact the church office.

Hornet Night

We are excited and gearing up for a new school year and to start it off right we have an opportunity to do just that!

Hornet Night

The First United Methodist Church is hosting a back to school worship and
prayer service for the youth of Gatesville this Sunday, August 21 from
6-8PM called Hornet Night.

The Live Oak Youth Worship Team will be leading the music and Ben Johnson,
Heart of Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes Director, will be our
guest speaker.

The FUMC is hosting the service and feeding the youth. After the youth
eat, we will conclude the evening with a prayer walk of the GISD campuses.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We would like adults to accompany the groups as they prayer walk the
campuses. The prayer walks are planned to begin at 7:30. If you come
around 7:15 to the FUMC we can put you in a place of service.

Thanks again for your willingness to help out! I appreciate it so much.

If you have any questions feel free to ask Ben!

May we continue to keep our students, teachers, coaches, and administration in our prayers this year. That Gatesville ISD would have a safe, successful, and fantastic school year!

What is a 30 Hour Famine?

You may have seen on the church calendar this month an event called "30 Hour Famine" and wondered what that is. The quick answer: We don't eat so that kids that are starving can. Let me tell you a little more about it . . .

What is it?
30 Hour Famine is new to our youth group, but it is a long standing annual event led by World Vision to raise awareness about world hunger. The event was started by a single youth group in 1971, and now occurs each year in 21 countries around the world. Participants abstain from eating food for 30 hours, with the hope of making known the plight of hungry children around the world and raising money to support World Vision's feeding ministry.

I pray the event, April 29-30, will be truly eye-opening to our youth; they will eat their last meal at school on Friday, and not eat again until supper on Saturday. In the mean time, we will be participating in lots of fun activities at the church in which we will learn more about the realities of world hunger and will hopefully come away with a much deeper appreciation for role we can play in ending world hunger.

Why are we doing this?
Kids are starving around the world, and we can make a difference.

Another child dies from hunger-related causes every 10 seconds. That’s 8,000 kids under the age of 5 dying every day. Some starve. Some get sick, and their hungry bodies are just too weak to fight. Even those lucky enough to survive hunger will feel its effects for a lifetime. Hunger stunts a child’s growth. It leaves kids more vulnerable to disease and steals the energy they need for school. More than 1 billion people go hungry every day. With around 6 billion people in the world, that means 1 in 6 people will go to bed hungry tonight.

The crazier thing: there's enough food in the world. There are enough resources and know-how to get it to the people who need it.

We get to be the one's to raise our voice to make people aware; that's why we're doing the 30 Hour Famine.

What can you do?
First off, we would welcome you to join us. If you would like to participate, please just let me know, and I'll get you plugged in. Also, please be praying for our youth and adult leaders who will be participating. As you see them around, give them your encouragement and support.

You can also support by giving financial contributions. $30 feeds a hungry child for a month. $360 feeds a child for a year. I was just informed last week by our contact at World Vision that they currently have a 6x multiplier grant on any funds raised by the 30 Hour Famine. So that means that $360 feeds 6 hungry children for a whole year! We have the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of starving children!

If you'd like to learn more about 30 Hour Famine or World Vision, I'd encourage you to check out this website.

If you have any more questions about the 30 Hour Famine, I'd be glad to talk with you. Thanks for your support!

~Peace
Ben

Shrove Tuesday

Howdy Church,

Today is Shrove Tuesday . . . or Fat Tuesday . . . or Pancake Day . . . or, if you ask your friends in New Orleans, Mardi Gras . . . or, in Rio de Janeiro, Carnival.

For many of us in the Baptist tradition, it is a day that passes without much notice. But for our brothers and sisters of other Christian traditions, it is a truly significant day, and one which might be worth our consideration.

You may have never even heard of that first title-- Shrove. Don't worry, it's not a word we use very often. According to my vast research (mostly consisting of Google and Wikipedia), shrove is the past participle of the English verb "to shrive". Yeah, that wasn't very helpful for me either, but fear not, there was more research! Shrive means "to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of confession and doing penance". Shrove Tuesday is the day before the beginning of a season of the church year called Lent, which we will begin tomorrow with Ash Wednesday.

Lent is a season of reflection and confession. During Lent, we are reminded of our own sinfulness and our need for a Savior. In a word, during Lent we will shrive--we'll seek to be reminded of the absolution of our sins by Jesus Christ and confess those sins which still bind us.

The good news of Scripture is, "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

We often say as Christians that we are Easter people--no doubt that is true! We have Abundant Life now precisely because Christ's resurrection has changed everything forever.

Unfortunately, we are often guilty of wanting to run to Easter Sunday and forget about the sacrifice of Good Friday. We are quick to remember our sins are forgiven, but often just as quick to forget, "he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

This year, we do not want to be guilty of forgetting the sacrifice of Christ or our own sinful mortality which made that sacrifice necessary, and that is why we are participating in Lent this year.

We will begin Lent tomorrow. For the next 40 days (excluding Sundays), we will join with millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in focusing on our need for a Savior. Our journey toward Holy Week begins tomorrow, with an Ash Wednesday Service. At that service, we will have time to confess our sins to the Lord and will join in a powerfully symbolic reminder of our own state without Christ.

If you talk with those from other traditions about Lent, they might share with you that traditionally Lent is a time of fasting and repentance. That is why in some places today is called pancake day (getting rid of all the sugar in your house--this also explains Fat Tuesday) or carnival (carne vale - "farewell to meat"). Perhaps you will fast during Lent, perhaps not. However, whether you call today Pancake Day or Mardi Gras or Carnival, I pray that today you will spend time with your Father in Heaven, asking Him what He might be seeking from you in our Lenten journey together this year.

I pray you will join us tomorrow night at 6pm for our Ash Wednesday Service. I think you will find it to be a meaningful time in your life and in the life of our community as we begin our journey to the cross together. May we encourage one another as we shrive together in the weeks ahead. Amen.

~Peace
Ben Winder