Great Days Ahead

The first question I was asked when Jerry resigned was, “How long will it take to get a new pastor?”  I explained there is no set policy but as a general rule-of-thumb it takes about one month for every year of the former pastor’s tenure. Jerry had been here almost 12 years so we could expect the process to take up to a year. Dr. Jason Atchley will be preaching in view of a call at the 10 ½ month mark of our interim situation. My belief is we will call him, he will accept, and be on the field by late May, or at the 11 ½ month mark. It appears our process has held true to form.

You are going to love the Atchleys. Judy and I were privileged to host them a week ago when the whole family came to explore Lubbock and look at housing options. This was Judy’s first time to meet Jason and Heather and the first time for both of us to meet Hallee and Chloe. We already love this family and know you will as well.

Jason and Heather are West Texas “born and bred.” Jason and Heather’s parents were members of the same Sunday school class at Crestview Baptist Church in Midland. In 1976 this class gave birth to 16 children. Jason was the first and Heather the second birth, so they have literally grown up together, practically dating since birth.

They all have birthdays within a 15 day time span:

·         Jason—March 30.

·         Heather—April 4.

·         Hallee—April 10.

·         Chloe—April 13.

Jason has a great resume. He has received outstanding training and gained valuable experience in a variety of churches. He was recommended to us by Dr. David L. Lowrie, Jr., pastor of the First Baptist Church of El Paso. Jason served on the staff of First Baptist, Canyon, with Dr. Lowrie.  This speaks volumes to me, that a former pastor and supervisor took the time to recommend him.

Judy and I are excited at the possibility of having Jason as our pastor and Heather as our pastor’s wife. I look forward to serving with him in my role as the Executive Pastor of Bacon Heights Baptist Church. He will be a great leader for our staff and church. Our Pastor Search Committee has done an excellent job in bringing the Atchleys to us. I truly believe Jason can lead us to our greatest days as a church.

When you arrive Sunday night, you will be required to use our new check-in system. We will have each station manned so you can complete the process in a matter of seconds. We are working to insure that we have a record of who was present and voting. After you have completed the check-in procedure, you will be handed a ballot. Please understand that according to our by-laws ONLY CHURCH MEMBERS ARE QUALIFIED TO VOTE. We have many regular attenders who are a part of us. But because they have not officially joined the church they cannot vote. Again, this is how our by-laws read and we will work to adhere to the governing documents of our church.  So if you have been thinking about joining and want to be able to vote on the new pastor you need to join Sunday morning. We will be happy to receive you and make you “official.”