Change is in the air. As our planet moves from the new life of springtime into the harvest season of summer, our Lord guides our church through a season of change. Whenever God calls a pastor away, inevitably, the church enters a time of uncertainty colored by hope and anticipation.

The Apostle Paul spoke to this reality when he instructed the church in Corinth to step back and see the hand of God at work. “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:5-7).

As you can see, the one constant in a world of change and transition remains the presence and power of the Lord. Don’t forget Jesus's words to Peter after his confession: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Yes, the Lord uses pastors and leaders, but He alone builds His church. During seasons of change, believers can see Him at work in all His glory.

As you are probably aware, Robyn and I are answering God’s call to serve Him on the faculty of Howard Payne University, effective August 1, 2025. With our departure, God is turning the page in our church's storied history to begin a new chapter. As this new chapter begins, one of the key decisions is who will be the next pastor.

As an autonomous, congregationally ruled Baptist Church, the first paragraph of the new chapter begins with selecting a Pastor Search Committee. Since the 1600s, Baptist churches have prayerfully chosen a team of leaders to seek and identify a candidate to be considered by the congregation to serve as its pastor. Ultimately, the congregation calls the new pastor under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of all its members.

That said, we should remember that God alone calls, equips, and sends pastors to His churches. In the days of Jeremiah, the LORD said it well, “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15). Paul noted this partnership with the LORD when he wrote, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds (pastors) and teachers to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:11).

This summer, each church member will be allowed to participate in this search process by nominating and voting on members to lead this transition. I urge you to nominate men and women who love the Lord and His church, whose character and integrity mark them to be numbered among those with the discernment and courage needed for this vital task. As you participate in the process, never forget the LORD will have His fingerprints on the outcome as He empowers us to build His church for tomorrow.

Your Pastor,
David Lowrie