Harvest Baptist Association

Today was another “best laid plans” ministry day. I was walking out the door to head to Jerymn Baptist Church about an hour away. I received a text from Pastor Jack at First Baptist Jacksboro saying he was sick and not sure if he could preach. I told him I was on my way towards his community, just let me know if he needs my help.

As I was pulling into Jacksboro he texted again saying he was not going to be able to preach. So I pulled into the church parking lot and with about 5 minutes before the service started I opened my Bible and prayed a simple prayer: “Lord I desperately need you to hide me behind your cross and for you to speak to your people.”

The Lord answered and the people of FBC Jacksboro were gracious and kind.

I stopped in to visit our friends at First Baptist Jacksboro to see how they are coming along with their sanctuary remodel. Therrol Dubois (Pastor of Worship) gave me the grand tour.

By the end of summer / early fall the church will be moved back into the beautiful sanctuary. Until then, they have set up and makeshift worship space in their fellowship hall.

Pastor Jack, Therrol, and Craig are doing an amazing job leading their church in the heart of Jack county.

We’re grateful for their partnership with the association and look forward to joining them the first Sunday back in their newly remodeled sanctuary.

Here’s another AMAZING example of kingdom partnership between 2 of our churches. Some of the youth from First Baptist Church Decatur, Texas participated in SERVE week. The youth serve in various local mission projects throughout the week and then help with VBS in the evening.

This week they partnered with First Baptist Church Joplin, Texas and completed several big projects both inside and outside of the building. They installed water drainage along the front of the building and then inside they demoed 3 classrooms to be used for their new Sunday School.

These partnerships are tangible visual illustrations demonstrating the value of cooperation as a part of the association. Harvest Baptist Association is made up of 60 likeminded churches across north central Texas. We voluntarily cooperate with one another for mission causes, encouragement, training, church planting, and other shared values.

Because of your financial support we are able to facilitate partnerships just like these. 

These last few days have been Illuminating! (If you know you know 😂).

I’ve had the privilege of visiting 5 of our churches during their VBS. Gymnasiums, sanctuary’s, classrooms, parking lots, and soccer fields have been filled with children laughing, doing crafts, playing silly games, and most importantly hearing about who Jesus really is. The gospel is being shared and lived out in communities across our association.

Over the next few weeks many of our churches will be hosting similar outreaches into their communities. Will you join me praying for these children, their families, and the COUNTLESS volunteers proclaiming the good news of the gospel. To God be the glory!

The Greece Mission Trip deposit deadline is next week June 1st. We have a few spots still open for those who are interested in joining our team. If you are interested or have questions about the trip please reach out to our office ASAP. Call 940-627-0723

We will be booking flights by the end of June so you don't want to wait.

First Baptist Decatur is looking for a gifted, experienced Children's Minister who loves kids and their families. We want someone who will lead our children's and preschool ministries with vision, passion, and a clear commitment to the gospel. If that describes you, we would love to hear from you.
In order to be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter by emailing [email protected]

Qualifications and Expectations:
Full-time position
Bachelor’s Degree
4+ years paid ministry experience
Age focus of all children from birth to 6th grade

Benefits
Salary: $65k-80k (based on qualifications)
Health insurance
Life insurance
Retirement Contribution
Paid Holidays
Paid vacation time

Primary Function: The Children’s Minister is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and evaluating the children and preschool ministries of the church.

Reports To: Executive Minister

Responsibilities:

1. Maintain a spiritual example as a follower of Christ.

2. Plan, coordinate, direct, and evaluate the preschool and children’s ministries of the church through the preschool and children’s ministry organizations of the church; schedule on the church calendar accordingly.

3. Work with the children and preschool leaders to plan a ministry for leading children and preschoolers toward the knowledge of salvation, leading toward a time of believer’s baptism, and a discipleship strategy that assists children to grow and develop as followers of Jesus.

4. Assist the organizational leaders in the enlistment, training, equipping, and guidance of children and preschool leaders to achieve the purposes of the church within the children’s and preschool ministries.

5. Lead in planning and conducting special age-group gatherings appropriate for spiritual growth, including but not limited to Vacation Bible School, camps, retreats, fellowships, service projects, and mission activities.

6. Work with the Worship Ministry to strengthen the preschool and children’s ministry through music programs.

7. Ensure there is a systematic approach to follow up with and contact parents of children who are first-time guests or prospective members.

8. Study and make recommendations for needed changes in the preschool and children’s ministries such as organizational changes, space use changes, equipment and furnishing needs, and policies and procedures of operation.

9. Prepare the annual budget for the preschool and children’s ministry and administer and oversee the approved budget according to church policy.

10. Study new materials, programs, curriculum, and educational methods for preschool and children and make recommendations when feasible.

11. Maintain a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for all children participating in the children’s ministry.

12. Oversee and help the Mother’s Day Out Director and Preschool and Nursery Director fulfill their responsibilities, including the weekly operation of the MDO ministry as well as weekly preschool ministries, including paid and volunteer staffing for the nursery, preschool, and children’s Bible studies, while equipping and ensuring leadership in these ministries is supported with vision and guidance from the Children’s Minister.

13. Work with the directors within the Children’s Ministry to oversee and, when needed, assist in the scheduling of teachers and volunteers for preschool and children’s ministry programs and activities, including childcare for special church-related events, in coordination with the church calendar.

14. Minister to and partner with parents to equip them to share their faith at home and strengthen family discipleship.

15. Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Minister or Pastor.

Some guys dread committee or team meetings. But when you hold said meetings at the local bbq joint the mundane has instantly turned into a great excuse to get out of the office!

My Nominating team knows how to host a meeting. Good discussion, great fellowship, and delicious food. What a combination.

All in all it was a good day. I was able to promote our Athens Greece mission trip this morning and then consulted a Constitution and Bylaws committee this evening.

First Baptist Church of Bowie had begun the process of updating their Constitution and Bylaws and asked for my help navigating this process. This is one of the many ways we walk alongside of our churches as a resource to their people.

As of today 8 people have signed up to be apart of mission team to Athens in September. For those who still might be interested in joining our team, your $200 deposit is due by June 1st. If you feel the Lord might be asking you to be a part of our team please reach out to me ASAP.

We had a very productive and engaging 3rd Thursday lunch gathering today. We were down in attendance due to this being the last day of school for many of our communities but those that were able to attend enjoyed the fellowship and discussion.

Micah Caswell walked us through several exercises helping us to wrestle with moving our church members from spectators to equipped, mobilized, and engaged people out on the front lines of ministry.

We will take a break for the summer months and then start back up in August.

Harvest finally has our office put back together after the flood from 2 years ago. (Well almost. My library is still sitting on the floor of my office!). We have a few items of furniture that we are not planning to bring back into the office. Therefore we would like to offer these items to any of our churches on a first come first serve basis. There would be no charge for any of the items if you come and pick them up. Any items not taken by one of our churches on or before June 15th we will then try to sell (for cheap) locally or on Facebook.

Items available to you are as follows:

1. Coffee table.
2. 2 drawer wooden filing cabinet.
3. 1.5 foot by 2 foot rolling kitchen island.
4. 2 glass top computer desks. 2 foot by 4 foot.
5. 1 Red leather office loveseat.
6. 8 Red leather rolling office chairs.

Please contact the association office with questions or for pick up arrangements.