UPDATES FROM PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
9/22/2024
Hello Church Family,
I want to begin by saying thank you on behalf of the Pastor Search Committee. It has been a privilege and a joy to serve and to search! The journey has been bathed in prayer and filled with holy moments.
These events mark another exciting season in the life of First Baptist Lubbock. Most of you are aware that we have a pastor and his family coming in view of a call next Sunday, September 29. The order of the day is important so please consider the following:
The pastor will preach in the first and second services. After he preaches, the pastor and his family will adjourn to the library. We will pray together as a church family and then vote by ballot. You will place the vote in the offering plate and the votes will be counted by a few members of our congregation along with the PSC. The congregation will remain in the sanctuary for a time of praise and worship while the votes are counted. We will announce the vote count before the service ends at both services. The pastor and his family will also be in the foyer to greet you around the service times.
We will meet in the green space at 12:30 for a meet and greet event, “Hallelujahs and Handshakes.” Burgers and hotdogs are on the menu. I still need help with hospitality for the event in the green space. Please call Nikki Hogue in the church office to sign up.
Your PSC voted with 100% unity under the leadership of the Holy Spirit for this incredible candidate coming in view of a call. The pastor search has truly been a holy journey for our church, and this committee has felt your prayers and your encouragement throughout the process. In his interview, this pastor summarized that shepherding is about being present in the lives of the people, providing watch care and love. He thoroughly enjoys preaching…in fact, he said he is “fired up” about it. His words were, “Preaching is an offering to the LORD.” One of his references said, “He loves God with all of his heart, mind, soul and strength…and orders his life accordingly.”
It is our privilege to make this announcement! Dr. Jason Burden and his wife, Kristi will join us Sunday, Sept. 29th in view of a call. Dr. Burden received his doctorate from George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor. He is the current president of TEXANS ON MISSION (previously Texas Baptist Men) and past president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Many of you have asked, “How old is he?” He is 48…I don’t dare reveal Kristi’s age. We will give a more thorough introduction of the Burdens and their family next Sunday!
Church, you know your assignment: Pray! Pray for First Baptist Church, Nederland where the Burdens are currently pastoring, pray for the Burdens, and pray for First Baptist Church Lubbock.
You may need your umbrellas… “there is the sound of abundance of rain.”1 Kings 18:41. Come Holy Spirit!
Blessings,
Suzie Liner
Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. 1 Cor. 1:10
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Please pray diligently for the members of our Pastor Search Committee in their task to find our next Pastor of First Baptist Lubbock.
SUZIE LINER Chairman
SEAN CLARK Vice Chairman
TIM ODOM Secretary
ANDREW ADAMS
PAUL DURHAM
KEITH LEONARD
MELISSA MCDOUGAL
BRAD DABBERT (DEACON CHAIRMAN)
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9/17/2024
Dearest Church Family,
A friend recently shared with me a devotional from 1 Corinthians 1:10. Paul reminds the church at Corinth that God would empower them to be blameless in their decision making as they stay in relationship with Jesus. In this way, a body of believers can experience the “same understanding” and the “same conviction.” It means that our church body understands that the idea or conviction is from the Spirit and is worked out among the church through their fellowship with Christ and with each other. It is the same Holy Spirit in each of us speaking Truth.
I rejoice when I tell you that your PSC is walking in unity through our Lord Jesus Christ. At our last meeting, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit was deeply sought and welcomed. Following His lead, we solemnly voted for the final candidate in our pastor search. We had 100% unity with our initial (and final) vote! We rejoiced with tears, laughter and prayers of thanksgiving.
The next few weeks will be filled with anticipation as this candidate and his family come in view of a call. He will preach on Sunday, September 29 at both services. We will vote by ballot immediately after he preaches. We invite and encourage voting by every church member. Each of us will stay in the sanctuary for a time of worship as the votes are counted, and we will announce the results at the close of each service. We will celebrate introducing the candidate and his family to you personally around the service times. Additionally, at about 12:30, we will move to the green space for a meet and greet, “Handshakes and Hallelujahs!” The church will provide burgers and chips but we need a
“ Welcoming Committee” to help with desserts, decor and details! Would you please call Nikki Hogue at the church office with your name and phone number if you are willing to help?
Words are inadequate to express my gratitude to the Lord and to each of you for your faithfulness. We still have much to pray about. Consider the following as you pray: New pastor and family transitioning, the church he is leaving, the candidates who were not called, First Baptist Church Lubbock, our staff and leadership, our interim, Dr. Hardage, and your PSC. Arrive a little early on Sundays or Wednesdays and consider prayer walking our church grounds and our buildings. There is still much to be done for Christ’s Kingdom.
Rejoicing in the journey,
Suzie Liner
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8/27/2024
Dear Church Family,
Amongst the activities of our daily lives, we are constantly confounded with life choices and circumstances that are bathed in untruth. We may even ask ourselves, “How can they promote such a thing when it is clearly wrong?” How is it that we discern truth and prepare our children to do the same? The answer is Jesus. He is Truth. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6.
There is no greater blessing than to walk in Truth. This is our foundation at First Baptist Church Lubbock! Charles Stanley says, “As dim as our world sometimes seems, we need God’s light both to understand where we are and to see where we are going.” God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet; the Bible is essential for interpreting our circumstances. The Word also shines a light on the path as we move forward. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalms119:105. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, guides us in understanding and applying the Word.
With His help, your PSC committee is moving with discernment using the wisdom from above (James 3:17). The committee recently confirmed to a candidate that one of the foundational strengths of First Baptist Lubbock was the proclamation of the Word from the pulpit and the classrooms. Several of us testified that this constant stand for Truth is life changing; we grew in passion for the Bible and became doers of the Word. Our committee is unwavering on this tenet in our next pastor. He must be anointed to speak and preach truth from the Bible.
As many of you have sensed, we are inching forward with our finalists. We recently completed a third set of directed interviews with these individuals and are visiting their churches. The Lord has truly gifted us with pastor candidates filled with a love for Jesus and His Word. Your PSC members continue to dedicate many hours each week to committee service. Sam Law recently stepped down from the search committee because of an increase in business commitments requiring his time. We appreciate Sam's service on the PSC.
We shared this scripture at our last meeting and ask you to join us as we make this our prayer:
Moses said to the Lord, “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him.” Numbers 27:15-18.
You are greatly loved,
Suzie Liner
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8/15/2024
Dear Church Family,
This is an exciting time! We are in the midst of live interviews, and we have some amazing men of God who are joining us. We sit together for hours and get to know one another. We have a multitude of questions compiled that we work our way through, yet as a committee we have the leeway to drill down in areas for clarification. Your PSC works as a team with every individual contributing thoughts and questions; each member works according to his giftedness. The pastor’s wives are participating, too and joining in conversations over the meal. As you can imagine, we have our own list of questions for them.
The response from our visitors has been very positive as we seek to build deeper relationships with these pastors and their wives. One of the greatest responses has been when we arrive in our sanctuary. When we are inside the church, we find:
“There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.”
Have you felt the sweet presence of the Lord as your enter the church building? I certainly have. God is doing a new thing; He is bringing a refreshing, a sweetness to our church. The psalmist says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” David’s observation highlights the beauty of unity among God’s people. It compares the goodness of unity to the refreshing and nourishing properties of oil poured over the head or dew upon the mountains. One of the best ways for First Baptist Church to honor God is to dwell together in unity. When we truly love one another, we are walking in obedience to Christ and the Holy Spirit can work through us to draw others to the Kingdom of God. We become the light on the hill beckoning other to join our journey as we offer love and hope.
The Lord is with us. Please continue to pray: pray for the Holy Spirit to speak and for all to have ears to hear; pray for safety for our church, our team and for our candidates and their families; pray for discernment as we interview and interact. Let’s all pray for and seek unity.
Your committee is listening and waiting on the Holy Spirit as He gently guides and directs. In His timing and in His way, He will show us our next pastor. I found a smile on my face with the gentle rain and cooler weather during one of our recent visits. We knew you were praying. It brings us great joy and encouragement to know you are with us.
We love you,
Suzie Liner
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
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Please pray diligently for the members of our Pastor Search Committee in their task to find our next Pastor of First Baptist Lubbock.
SUZIE LINER Chairman
SEAN CLARK Vice Chairman
TIM ODOM Secretary
ANDREW ADAMS
PAUL DURHAM
KEITH LEONARD
MELISSA MCDOUGAL
BRAD DABBERT (DEACON CHAIRMAN)
SAM LAW (DEACON VICE-CHAIR)
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8/1/2024
Dear Church Family,
A friend recently shared a sermon illustration that went something like this: A pastor went out in his small fishing boat and headed toward his favorite fishing hole which sat neatly in the shadows of a tall cliff. As he drew closer he saw a small sign that read, “Keep out! Snakes!” He wasn’t sure if the sign was posted because there really were snakes or because others did not want to share the best fishing on the lake! The rock he faced was one solid slab of rock. The pastor shared that he felt safe there. Snakes embed where there has been a fracturing of the stone. Similarly, Satan enters our lives in areas where we are separated from the Rock, Jesus Christ. The Truth of this analogy is replaying in my mind this week. It amplifies the need for our church, both individually and corporately, to be intentional and deliberate in solidifying our relationship with Christ.
God is active and moving as He prepares a new pastor for First Baptist Lubbock, Texas. It seems God is also preparing, restoring and renewing our local Body of Christ in preparation for our new shepherd. In your daily quiet times, consider asking the Lord how you can best prepare your heart for our journey and celebration ahead.
The next weeks and months are crucial as we move into closer relationships with our candidates and their wives. Your PSC committee is meeting next on Monday, August 5th at 6:30 P.M. Our agenda is one thing: prayer. Your committee is truly united. We continue to seek and receive direction from Jesus; we are deliberate in our active waiting. His timing is perfect, and we are experiencing His goodness in this journey. Consider joining us in prayer at 6:30 on Monday from wherever you may be. We need the mind of Christ and so desire a oneness that allows us to hear the intimacy of His voice and know the certainty of His steps. We love you and so treasure your faithful prayers.
Journeying with you,
Suzie Liner
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Ps.51:10-12
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7/19/2024
Can you think of a time when you were encumbered by a circumstance that was not chosen by God? You may even question, “How did I get here?” At certain times in our lives, most of us are guilty of deciding our plans without God. It can leave us worried, confused and perhaps on a path that is not God’s best for us. The greatest thing to keep us from worry is seeking God as the greatest factor in our planning. And so it is for the future of our church; we must commit the formulation of our plans to Him.
Every day, my thoughts are directed to God, seeking His perfect will and His perfect plan for the shepherd for First Baptist Church. Looking forward, our church body must encourage one another and our leadership to make Jesus an integral and real part of our plans and our decision. Thank you for your constancy in prayer for our next pastor and for our committee. With Jesus, we have no reason to fret or worry; He will bring His best. We can rest in that reassurance.
We have spent the month of July reviewing resumes, listening to sermons, scheduling and planning. Live interviews begin in August, and we will bring the candidates to Lubbock. Take a moment and think about the joy that awaits us, together, as we prepare our church for this anointed pastor and his family. Only God knows if it is one of these or yet one to come. But, my brothers and sisters in Christ, we have much to pray for as we look first to God in our planning and in our decision. Please include in your prayers: traveling mercies, beautiful weather, a welcoming community, Holy Spirit led conversations, eyes to see and ears to hear.
I love and treasure the way our church body loves one another and our community so well. Keep seeking Jesus.
Journeying with you,
Suzie Liner
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass. Ps 37:5
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7/12/2024
Dear Church Family,
Having four children, I have commonly referred to the following verse:
Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”
As God’s children, this verse is very applicable to both young and old.
Through this pastor search process, I have appreciated learning something from each member of the committee. I feel confident that God is using our diverse backgrounds and personalities to discern the Spirit’s guidance. It’s such a beautiful picture that while we are not uniform in our opinions and personalities, we are unified in the Spirit and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Multiple members have voiced their opinions and then humbly expressed their willingness to pray to make sure they are seeing things through God’s lens. This is refreshing and inspiring to me!
As I express to my children the joy of seeing them work together and their subsequent benefits, I am reminded of how much joy our Father must have when we “dwell together in unity” and how refreshing that is for us.
While we wait and prepare for live interviews, we appreciate how you have promoted harmony through your continued prayers and encouragement. Know that we are praying for you as well! We pray for the unity of His Spirit in our church, staff and future pastor.
Andrew Adams
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7/3/2024
Where does this day find you? Are you waiting for God to answer a prayer that you have placed before him on a daily basis? I am.
I am waiting for God to answer us as we seek our future pastor. Today, I considered a different perspective. How does God see us while we wait?
Throughout the bible, we see many “postures” of waiting...some are patient, some are anxious, some are defeated, while yet others are just plain angry.
Consider Simeon in the Gospel of Luke. One author suggests Simeon’s posture was one of anticipation, calm expectancy and eagerness. He anticipated what God was about to do in his life and in the world around him. He spent his days praying, not hurrying or demanding. Simeon was ready and eager to welcome God’s anointed. Through the revelation of the Holy Spirit he sees the long-awaited hope; Simeon looks forward to what will come.
This past Sunday, I met several of you that I had not met before. Yet, I felt that I already knew you. We are one family, one body of Christ, praying faithfully, eagerly, expectantly, longingly and with great hope for our future. Your PSC feels the love, support and prayers of each of you. More importantly, God sees us. He hears us. He will answer. While we are waiting, let’s be mindful or our posture!
Many of our committee are traveling this month. Cover them with your prayers. We are excited to begin live interviews. God is good!
You are greatly loved and treasured,
Suzie Liner
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. John 5:14-15
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6/25/2024
Dear Church Family,
As we have journeyed through the pastor search process, let me just say how blessed and thankful I am for a church body that is committed to praying and supporting the pastor search committee. Since the beginning, I, along with other members of the committee, have received nothing but words of encouragement, support and prayer from you. I am reminded of Paul’s charge to the church in Thessalonica, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). You are indeed doing this and it is bearing fruit within the committee.
As we continue to speak with and narrow down candidates, my hope and excitement continues to build each week as we move closer and closer to finding the man God will reveal to us as the next pastor of our church. Our task is not easy or simple. We understand what Scripture tells us about the qualifications a pastor must have to obediently fulfill the mission and priority of the church. But getting a clear understanding of each candidate’s heart is only revealed to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is where your prayers are truly coveted.
As we continue to move through this process together, as a church, let us continue to encourage and pray for one another and our future pastor. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Sean Clark
PSC Vice Chair
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6/14/2024
Dear Church Family,
The interview Monday night went well. Thank you for your steadfast prayers. Every time we talk to a candidate, I enjoy the interludes when I am just listening and watching; I am listening to the candidate and listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit. One of our committee members also commented how much they were learning and changing as we listen to sermons, diligently seek God and challenge one another.
How is the pastor search process changing you as you pray and seek God? How is Jesus changing our church as we draw closer to Him? Perhaps this is a divine window of time that God has ordained for growth and renewal as individuals and as the Body of Christ. This is a holy journey, ordained by God, that we might seek His Face and grow in unity as we know Him more intimately.
We feel the Lord directing us as we narrow the field of candidates. God is preparing one man, God’s man, as our future pastor. As we prepare for the next level of interviews with each candidate, we covet your prayers for these men of God, their families and for your PSC.
Journeying with you,
Suzie Liner
“‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15 ESV
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6/5/2024
Dear Church Family,
All is well. The interview process is moving smoothly and yes, we have some excellent candidates. As a whole, we would admit we are still waiting for God to speak and to show us His choice for our next pastor.
We continue to covet your prayers and your support. The weight of the responsibility for the pastoral search is constantly with us. Believe me, there are no complaints; each of us feels this is a privilege to serve our church and our Lord in this way. Satan, on the other hand, probably hates pastor search committees! We, as your pastor search committee, are set upon hearing from God to find a pastor to preach and teach God’s Word and to strengthen this Body of Christ. Thus, we oppose the work of the devil.
On our interview evening, we had one member dealing with a serious incident at work, one member delayed more than 24 hours in an airport and one member ailing with the stomach bug. Our candidate had recently suffered the loss of an immediate family member. We need your prayer support in this journey!
Pray for our church, committee and pastor:
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Spiritual strength and protection
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Unity; the mind of Christ
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Wisdom
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Endurance
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Personalize and pray John 17:6-23
I see God at work in our lives individually and corporately at First Lubbock. To God be the glory!
You are loved,
Suzie Liner
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:15-17
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5/30/2024
Dearest Family,
We are interviewing candidates on Monday and Thursday. Your specific prayer covering on those days would be treasured. A candidate shared with me yesterday how he and his family are consistently praying for our church. It was wonderful to reassure him that our church was covering every candidate in prayer as well!
Let’s journey together, heartily, as we seek the Lord in unity. You are loved and appreciated!
Blessings,
Suzie Liner
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“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians 3:23 AMPC.
5/23/2024
Dear Church Family,
Your Pastor Search Committee conducted a few interviews last week; we were excited and blessed to meet with some very gifted individuals. Also, I want to brag on your committee as they did a great job conducting the interviews. I believe your diligent prayers are making a difference. Going forward, we have more interviews scheduled and are still receiving resumes. I mentioned that listening to sermons on the candidates is another of our priorities. It may surprise you to know just how many sermons we listen to every week! On one candidate, one committee member enjoyed the sermons of a particular candidate so much that he heard more than five of that pastor's sermons in a single day!
We have several committee members traveling on mission trips, graduating children, and celebrating family events. Personally, even though life is happening at a face pace all around me, I find my heart and mind constantly seeking God to reveal the man He has chosen for our next pastor. I believe this journey will bring our entire church into oneness in Christ as, together, we seek God with all our hearts. Please continue to pray for wisdom, unity, and discernment for FirstLubbock and for your PSC. You are greatly loved and treasured.
Blessings,
Suzie Liner
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
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5/16/2024
Dear Family,
This morning I was reading from the book of Micah. Micah taught in a culture characterized by idolatry, immorality, and outright rebellion against the worship of God. In fact, it was a culture much like the one we are experiencing today in America. Despite the times, He clearly outlines what the Lord requires of us.
I pray that our next pastor so leans into God and relies on His Word that he boldly proclaims from the pulpit what God requires of us. Let us pray for a bold prophet, a man that is passionate about declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Your pastor search committee is now interviewing candidates. These are excellent men of God and it is humbling to sit and listen as they answer our long list of questions. We are continuing in pursuit of the man God has called for our next pastor. We are passionate in our pursuit of God. Pray we will be of one heart and one mind...the heart and mind of Christ.
We love you and cherish your prayers.
Blessings,
Suzie Liner
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
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5/9/2024
Your Pastor Search Committee is actively moving forward, and we are excited to see what God has in store. This week, interviews begin with some of our candidates! Let me ask you to put yourself in their shoes for a moment. These are all excellent, well trained men of God who have chosen to apply for our pastor position. Most apply because they are seeking to fulfill God’s calling in their lives; perhaps they were led by the Holy Spirit. Each is willing to risk a dramatic change for themselves and for their families should they be called to FirstLubbock. They do so in obedience to the Lord. You have so graced our committee with your love, your encouragement and your prayers. Please include our candidates and their families in your prayers. Pray that each might have an excellent interview. Pray for your committee that we might have discernment and wisdom and hearts fully turned to Jesus. In a recent prayer and devotional time, we prayed that we could release any personal agenda and only seek what was of the Lord. Remember to pray for Pastor Dagnel and precious Patti that they may finish strong.
With all our hearts, we are serving the Lord and serving you while we wait on God to answer.
Blessings,
Suzie Liner
Chair
Pastor Search Committee
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Ps 27:14
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5/2/2024
We received handmade cards of encouragement from the 4th and 5th graders at First Lubbock. I would love to share a few of their words with you:
“Thank you for taking the time of your life to share the word of God.”
“Thank you so much for what you are doing. I hope you find what you are looking for.”
“Search Committee, you’re doing a great job. You just need to keep searching. I know you will pick out someone great.”
“Hope you stay safe and do your job.”
I think we have our marching orders! Thank you for your prayers; we treasure and need your continued investment in this holy endeavor. Be encouraged! We are continuing to receive resumes and we have some excellent candidates. Moving forward, some candidates are asked to complete the formal application along with resumes, references and letters of recommendation. We have completed the questions and the procedures for the interviews and will move to this stage very soon. As you may discern, we are in the midst of tough decisions as we review multiple documents and sermons on every pastor that communicates interest. Please stay strong in your commitment to pray and stand with us. Pray for discernment, wisdom, protection and strength. First Lubbock Body of Christ, we love and treasure you!
Blessings,
Suzie Liner
Chairman
The preteens remind us, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13
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4/26/2024
Dear Friends,
Your Pastor Search Committee is diligently working in subcommittees so we can research and educate ourselves on every resume we receive. We are listening to sermons, combing over letters of recommendation and preparing for interviews in the next few weeks. I find myself humbled by the dedication and hard work of the individuals on this committee. The Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us in a spirit of unity as we seek the man God has chosen to lead First Baptist Church Lubbock. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for our committee and subcommittees in the days to come.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” I read this chapter of 2 Corinthians today and found myself drawn to this last phrase...abound in every good work. His grace is sufficient in every aspect of our lives and to the point of overflowing. I am believing this word for our committee, our church, and our next pastor. God IS able.
Praying with you,
Suzie Liner
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4/19/2024
Dear Friends,
Your Pastor Search Committee has been busy this week as we review resumes, read letters of recommendation, and have phone conversations with Baptist leaders and pastors spread throughout Texas. Without exception, they are all joining us in prayer. What an encouragement to know that First Baptist Church Lubbock is being lifted in prayer by our brothers and sisters in Christ across this state! Be encouraged! God is in our midst working, and He invites us, our local body of Christ, to join in this holy moment. Please pray for grace and wisdom as we continue to work. We are active while in an attitude of waiting….patiently waiting for God’s choice for our next pastor.
Blessings,
Suzie Liner
Chair
Pastor Search Committee
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 17:6
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4/12/2024
As I was leaving the church this weekend, I overheard two young women laughing and talking as they stood in the foyer. One said, “This may sound silly, but I love the way this church feels.” I don’t know the spiritual connotations of her comment, but it is likely that someone (the church) made her feel welcome. It reminded me of the Henry Blackaby quote, “How you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God.”
Your Pastor Search Committee has recently completed the church profile. It is a brief compilation of our church’s story. The next page in our story is turning. I challenge each of you to live your life as a true testimony to the world of what you believe about God. The next page is waiting to be written. The way we live as the Body of Christ at First Baptist will script that very story.
We are beginning to receive resumes for the position of pastor. It is exciting. It is encouraging. God is moving! Many eyes are looking our direction. Let’s make sure that our personal and corporate lives reflect the true story of our Lord Jesus. Let’s write a legacy of love. Keep praying for your PSC committee and for the man God has chosen as our next pastor.
Journeying with you,
Suzie Liner
Chair
Pastor Search Committee
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4/4/2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I pulled into the church parking lot Monday evening for the PSC meeting, the church building itself was sitting regally with its beautiful copper steeple glowing in the sun. It was a memorable moment as I sat quietly listening in one of those “Be Still and Know” holy moments. Our PSC team arrived early and were well prepared. We worked line by line on documents that will introduce our church to pastor candidates. We were struck by the legacy and the history of First Baptist Church, Lubbock. Importantly, the love of this Body of Christ for others was the golden thread woven throughout our church story. I am encouraged and excited to see all God has in store for us as our team works diligently while yet waiting patiently in those “Be Still and Know” moments of this journey. We have a story waiting to be told...His story! Please pray our hearts and minds and that of our future pastor are finely tuned to His Spirit. We are available for your comments at PSC@firstlubbock.org.
Blessings,
Suzie Liner, Chairman
Pastor Search Committee
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
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3/28/2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We want to share our heart and give a brief update as we move forward with the holy task of finding God’s chosen man for the Senior Pastor position at First Baptist Church Lubbock. The greater part of our last meeting was invested in widening our knowledge base and deepening our wisdom as we become experts in the pastor search process. So much has changed in the world of ministry and in ministerial education. We were blessed to glean insight from Dr. Dowell Loftis of the BGCT Center for Ministerial Health. It was a lengthy meeting; in the end, we recognized growth and strengthening as a team. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is moving us in unity toward our common goal. With every consideration and decision, we hold Jesus and then you, our church family, foremost in our thoughts. The strong foundation of this church on Christ our Lord and the proclamation of His Word emboldens us in this task. Pray for the man who God is preparing to be your next Senior Pastor, and pray for unity in our church as we journey together. We welcome your communications at PSC@firstlubbock.org.
Blessings,
Suzie Liner, Chairman
Pastor Search Committee
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Cor. 1:10
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3/21/2024
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for your trust in us as we begin this pastor search journey. We are each honored and humbled to serve. We’d like to introduce to you the officers of this committee:
Suzie Beck Liner - Chairman
Sean Clark - Vice Chairman
Tim Odom - Secretary
If you have any questions, please email us at psc@firstlubbock.org
We ask that you continue to pray for us daily as the Holy Spirit guides us to find the next pastor for our church.
Pray for unity in our committee as well as wisdom and discernment in each step we take.
”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2