Dear Church,

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “the only constant in life is change.” While he uttered those famous words in the sixth century BC, they still remain true in our day and age. Since I arrived at the First Baptist Church in 2017, I have been privileged to work with so many incredible people. Most of the staff I have worked with and brought on have been dedicated to the local church and committed to loving Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. I love being able to see people grow into their roles and become valued and prospering parts of our team.

Randi Outlaw began as our new Director of Children’s Ministry in July of 2022. Over the past ten months, she has done incredible things for our church. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her love of Jesus is plain to see for everyone who has spent time with her and her family. It has been a beautiful thing to see our Children’s Ministry thrive under her leadership. She is an incredible minister and an even more wonderful person. All of what I have said about Randi in the preceding sentences is why it is going to be hard for us to see her step away from her role here at FBC.

As committed as she has been to the church, Randi was clear that her first and primary calling is to be an excellent wife and mother to Mark, Jude, and Abigail. After months of trying to balance both of these callings in her life, Randi informed me that she felt that it was in her best interest to spend the next few years deeply focused on her family. While I was sad to receive this news, I know that in order to be a healthy minister of the Gospel, it begins by having a family that thrives. She is making a difficult decision for sure, but I agree with her 100%!

Randi will continue to serve with our church until the end of the month. I want to take this opportunity to thank Randi for all she has done for our community, for our children, and for the staff team at FBC. My three girls love Jesus more deeply because of her ministry. We are a better church because of her time with us. I am grateful. Over the next few weeks, I hope you will take the opportunity to thank her and her family for all they have done for our church!

I know that many of you will be curious about the next steps for our Children’s Ministry. Martha Kate Hall will continue in her role as Minister to Pre-School and Families. In addition, Carla Parker will be serving as our Interim Director of Children’s Ministry. You can expect to hear further updates from me in the near future regarding plans for where we are headed!

Friends, it is an honor to be the Pastor of such a wonderful church. I can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

Grace and Peace,

Will