
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
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Vote on TAC Members
Special Called Business Meeting
July 13, 2025In a Special Called Business Meeting following morning worship on July 13, present church members may vote on TAC members.
The Temporary Administrative Council’s purpose is to help the ministerial staff in the absence of a Pastor. They will be joined with the chairs of the following: Personnel Committee, Budget and Finance Committees, and Deacons. -
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.
TAC committee nominees
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TAC Information
The Temporary Administrative Council’s purpose is to help the ministerial staff in the absence of a Pastor. They will be joined with the chairs of the following: Personnel Committee, Budget and Finance Committees, and Deacons.
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Merrilee Franklin
Occupation: Retired Teacher
LifeStage: Senior Adult
FBD Membership: 3 Years -
Jim Keen
Occupation: Retired Business Manager
LifeStage: Empty Nester
FBD Membership: 30 Years -
Chase Rolland
Occupation: Homebuilder
LifeStage: Parent of Young Children
FBD Membership: 6 Years -
Bill Shanklin
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
LifeStage: Senior Adult
FBD Membership: 10 Years -
Jeff Sicking
Occupation: VP Mortgage Lender
LifeStage: Parent of Youth
FBD Membership: 13 Years
Pastor search committee
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Search Committee Information
The Pastor Search Committee is a group of church members prayerfully selected to seek, evaluate, and recommend candidates to serve as the next pastor of the church. They will be joined with the chairs of the following: Personnel Committee and Budget and Finance Committees.
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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: 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