Senior pastor transition

A word from Pastor David

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

The Search Process

  • Ongoing Prayer

    Pray for Our Church: Ask God to keep our church unified, patient, and focused during this season without a pastor. Pray that we remain faithful in ministry, evangelism, and service as we wait on the Lord’s timing.

    Pray for the Pastor Search Committee: Pray for wisdom, unity, and discernment as they seek the man God is calling to lead our church. Ask for protection from discouragement or criticism, and for clarity in every decision.

    Pray for Our Next Pastor and His Family: Though we don’t yet know them, God does. Pray for their preparation, peace, and boldness to follow God’s call. Ask for protection over their marriage and family as they prepare to join our church and community.

    Pray for Pastor David and Robyn: As they step into a new season of ministry in higher education, pray for peace, joy, and clarity. Ask God to bless their influence, open doors, and continue using them to build the Kingdom.

Pastor search committee

  • Search Committee Information

    The Pastor Search Committee is a group of church members prayerfully selected to seek, evaluate, and recommend a candidate to serve as the next pastor of the church.

  • Jeff Bakker

    Occupation: Self-Employed
    LifeStage: Empty Nester
    FBD Membership: 17 Years
    Currently Serving: Deacon Chairman, Kids Bible Study Teacher, and Kids Ministry Volunteer

  • Jana Bearden

    Occupation: Counselor
    LifeStage: Empty Nester
    FBD Membership: 26 Years
    Currently Serving: Women’s Ministry Leadership Team and Kids Ministry Volunteer

  • Dean Miller

    Occupation: Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer
    LifeStage: Parent of Youth
    FBD Membership: 15 Years
    Currently Serving: Adult Bible Study Teacher and Finance Committee

  • Randy Neighbors

    Committee Vice-Chairman

    Occupation: Retired Homebuilder
    LifeStage: Empty Nester
    FBD Membership: 34 Years
    Currently Serving: Deacon, Worship Ministry Volunteer, and Building and Grounds Committee

  • Robert Roose

    Committee Chairman

    Occupation: Engineering Manager
    LifeStage: Empty Nester
    FBD Membership: 30 Years
    Currently Serving: Deacon, Adult Bible Study Teacher, and Worship Choir

  • Reed Bass

    Finance Committee Representative

    Occupation: General Contractor/Homebuilder
    LifeStage: Parent of Young Children
    FBD Membership: 4 Years
    Currently Serving: Adult Bible Study Teacher, Men’s Ministry Leadership Team, and Kids Ministry Volunteer

  • Sloan Turner

    Personnel Committee Representative

    Occupation: Retired Procurement Management
    LifeStage: Senior Adult
    FBD Membership: 18 Years
    Currently Serving: Deacon and Personnel Committee

  • Other Committee Members:

    Alternates attend each meeting and participate in discussions, but they do not vote unless they are moved into a committee position.

    Alternate 1: Angie Haar

    Alternate 2: Jarred Barnard

    Alternate 3: Bill Hughes

TAC committee

  • TAC Information

    The Temporary Administrative Council’s purpose is to help the ministerial staff in the absence of a Pastor.

  • Chase Rolland

    Occupation: Homebuilder
    LifeStage: Parent of Young Children
    FBD Membership: 6 Years

  • Jeff Sicking

    Occupation: VP Mortgage Lender
    LifeStage: Parent of Youth
    FBD Membership: 13 Years

  • Jay Bearden

    Budget and Finance Representative

    Occupation: Bank President
    LifeStage: Empty Nester
    FBD Membership: 26 Years

  • John Vance

    Building and Grounds Representative

    Occupation:
    LifeStage: Empty Nester
    FBD Membership: 2 Years

  • Jeff Baker

    Deacon Chairman

    Occupation: Self-Employed
    LifeStage: Empty Nester
    FBD Membership: 17 Years