Final Countdown

As you already know, we have been called to serve First Baptist Church, Dawson, GA.

The beginning of one ministry is the ending of another. I've spent the last 7 years serving the Lord by serving other people behind the front counter of @Chick-fil-A. It has been a great journey and certainly My Pleasure!

So this is my final week.  It all began when I was in need of a job. We were a few months away from closing the church we started and I wanted to find something "temporary" to tie me over until the Lord led us to our new ministry.

Little did I know the Lord positioned me in my "new ministry" at CFA and also gave me many opportunities to preach. Not only as a fill-in but also serving three interim pastorates: Gentian Baptist for 6 months; Wynnbrook Baptist for 9 months; and First Baptist Richland, GA for 12 months. And in each church people came to salvation in Christ and were baptized into the Church! Praise the Lord!!

Many friends have been made through these churches and also through my years at CFA. I will miss serving them all. And I'll miss my fellow team members. We have had such great times together and learned a lot from each other. And we have laughed!

Thank you, Todd Morgan, Operator CFA Phenix City, AL for giving my the blessing of working and serving with you, John Lech, Chris Magnus, and the rest of the team. You all taught me so much.

Thank you Alex Vann, Operator CFA Macon/Wynnton Rd. and Manchester Expressway. You also gave me an opportunity to serve alongside you, Brandon Alan, Stephen Vaughn, and the team members at two stores. You challenged me to step up as a leader! I came as a learner and leave as a better leader...and still learning! Most of all your love and friendship has meant so much. We may be living in different places but the friendship continues! Thanks for allowing me to be a pastor to many and the Chaplain of Chick-fil-A!!

So the countdown begins...there are 5 days left at CFA! Friday December 15 will be the final day. I will forever cherish these 7 years of my "temporary" job!

Ephesians 3:20

CHANGE IS COMING!

We have some very exciting news coming our way! On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, Lana and I will be meeting the people of First Baptist Church of Dawson, GA and I will be preaching in view of a call to become their Senior Pastor!

I haven’t been a full-time Pastor for 6 ½ years although I have had 3 lengthy interims and have filled in for a lot of churches. Thankfully the Lord kept me busy and sharp when it comes to preaching.

He has also used these years to shape me into being a better pastor. And yes, He did it through my 7 years at Chick-fil-A! Actually…I never stopped pastoring…I just did it from a different venue. Chick-fil-A gave me so many opportunities to witness and minister to people. I have prayed for the needs of many of our customers and fellow team-members.  We saw God do some great things in their lives and He gets all the glory!

So…it’s Monday and Sunday is coming! We ask that you pray for us as we prepare for the weekend. We want what God wants for us and for First Baptist!

Eph. 3:20

Joel