Facebook

Dr. Charles Stone to be voted upon as Part-time Associate Pastor
of Leadership Development and Spiritual Growth

With the blessing and support of our Deacon Body, I enthusiastically recommend that we invite Dr. Charles Stone to come along side us as our Associate Pastor of Leadership Development and Spiritual Growth. Charles has many gifts and qualifications, but his passion and great strength is equipping leaders, ‘just the skill we need to move forward in our endeavor to make disciples, train our people to share their faith and help them excel in using their gifts for the Kingdom of God. A description of the position and Dr. Stone’s CV are available on the website. Paper copies are also available on the table in the church foyer. The vote will be by secret ballot next Wednesday, May 1.

Yours for Growing the Kingdom,

Pastor John

DESCRIPTION OF MINISTRY POSITION

RESUME OF CANDIDATE

OUR pastor
Dr. JOHN HELVESTON

John Knox Helveston

John grew up in Laurel and graduated from R.H. Watkins High School in 1972, Ole Miss in 1976, Denver Seminary in 1979 (Master of Divinity) and Western Seminary in Portland Oregon in 1997 (Doctor of Ministries). John married Lucy Low, also of Laurel, in 1978.  Since then, John and Lucy have served churches in Florida, Illinois, the Philippines and San Jose, California.

Since 2014 John and Lucy have been serving with the International Baptist Convention ministering to English speaking churches in Europe and Central America. This ministry has taken them to Panama City, Panama, Vienna, Austria and three cities in Germany: Kaiserslautern, Frankfurt and Münich.  John recently returned from Romania, Ukraine and Greece where he worked with refugees through All 4 Aid. 
John and Lucy have four grown children and ten grandchildren.  They currently serve as Missionaries in Residence at First Baptist Church, Laurel.
John is now serving as our Pastor.

. . . from Pastor John

“There’s no crying in baseball!”

As members and friends of First Baptist Church we’re beginning a new season. We have enjoyed the highly unusual blessing of the leadership of a loving, gifted and faithful pastor for three – count them – three decades.

For perspective, think of this:

When Pastor Randy and Sharon began their ministry in 1992 Aladdin was the top movie, gas was $1.13 and the most notable quote was “There’s no crying in baseball!” spoken by Tom Hanks’ character in A League of Their Own.

We grieve the Turners’ departure, we are grateful for their service and now, together, we begin to build upon their legacy: A healthy, unified, grace-giving, Christ-honoring church.

Lucy and I are far beyond grateful for the privilege of serving you during our transition.

We thank you for your many expressions of support and we know we can count on your prayers.

I will not only be preaching but am available for prayer, encouragement and counsel.

We have had an exceptional under-shepherd in Pastor Randy. We still and will always have our Great Shepherd to lead us through this and every season.

All glory, praise and honor be unto Him!

John K. Helveston
Transitional Pastor

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024