MINISTER OF COMMUNITY MISSIONS
At our next Business Meeting on March 30, we will vote on the recommendation of our Personnel Committee to call Todd Smith as our new Minister of Community Missions. 
The Minister of Community Missions is a new full-time position on our Pastoral staff that was created last month to meet the unique needs of our congregation and community. It combines leadership of our ministry to Internationals with the responsibilities associated with identifying and reaching out to both prospective and new members of our church so that they can immediately connect with small groups and become an integral part of our church family. Additionally, the Minister of Community Missions will coordinate our community based ministries and the work done by our many volunteers. This position consolidates the duties and responsibilities previously performed by a part-time pastoral and full-time professional member of our staff.
While the Minister of Community Missions is a new position, Todd Smith is certainly no stranger to our congregation. For the past 8 years he has served faithfully as our Youth Pastor, leading and serving our students and their families Todd (along with his wife Jan and son Zach) came to First Baptist in 2008 and immediately became an integral part of our church family. He has built a strong foundation for our youth ministry. With more than 30 years of ministry experience, he has demonstrated his strong passion for both leading people to Christ and equipping others to effectively share the gospel where they live, work, and play.
A graduate of Union University and Southern Seminary, Todd’s strong interpersonal, organizational, and creative skills will allow him to immediately have a positive impact in this new role of service. Although following in the footsteps of Marty Smith (who retired last year as our Minister to Internationals) will be no easy task, Todd’s giftedness and experience, coupled with a deep knowledge, understanding, and love for our congregation and the Tallahassee community make him well qualified for this new position. He has the unanimous support and recommendation of both our Personnel Committee and Deacons.
Todd and Jan have worked closely with an international community in the past, and Jan has more than 13 years experience in teaching English as a second language (ESL). Most importantly, Todd has a servant’s heart – patient and full of grace He knows and understands people, and is ready to continue his ministry to our congregation as our Minister to Community Missions.
Upon approval by the church, we would immediately begin the process of searching for an Interim Youth Pastor as Todd prepares to transition into his new role. Our youth ministry is also a key part of our church family, and we want to do everything we can to build on the foundation that Todd has established. As we transition these leadership positions within our church I am reminded how God has blessed us with so many capable, qualified and called people currently serving on our pastoral staff. I am thankful for each of them and I remain confident that as we continue to seek God’s will for our church that he will continue to bless us.
We have so much to be thankful for As we celebrate our risen Savior. I would ask for your continued prayers during this season in the life of our church. Pray specifically for our church, pastoral staff, lay leaders, and especially those who are leading us in the search for new Pastors. As a congregation we have the opportunity individually and collectively to lift up each other in prayer and to take on the work that God has called us to do.
In Him,
Dave Westberry
2016 Deacon Chairman