Monday, June 30, 2008

Broadway Baptist Church

The Deacon Body of the Broadway Baptist Church of Ft. Worth has voted unanimously to call me as Interim Pastor. I will begin my ministry with them on July 27.

They have graciously allowed me to fulfill longstanding preaching engagements before I begin.

In an interesting and unusually ironic turn, Broadway's superb pastor, Brett Younger, will succeed me as the preaching teacher at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in Atlanta. Brett is not only a fine preacher, but is a student of preaching, having earned a doctorate in homiletics. He will be a gift to the seminary in Atlanta.

Brett and many others speak affirmingly and tenderly of Broadway. As is often the case, media accounts of Broadway's present congregational situation are inadequately descriptive. It is very difficult for the press accurately to characterize sensitive and nuanced congregational dynamics that shape a community of humans making their life together. When they try, they invariably fall short.

Broadway's open hospitality and embrace of all of God's children is powerfully symbolized by the stunning stained-glass window facing the worshippers in their magnificent sanctuary. It is called the "invitation window" and depicts Christ standing with arms outstretched to receive anyone who will come to him. This invitational heart has been a core value for Broadway throughout its history, and Jana and I look forward to partnering for a season with them in this mission.

Our job will be to provide pastoral proclamation and presence during the season while Broadway is searching for a permanent minister. I am honored to serve this historic, city-center Texas church, and wish to extend an open invitation to all to pray for us, encourage us, and come alongside us to help build a bridge to a future full with high purpose for God's work in the world.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said, Charlie! Broadway is blessed to have you and Jana wrap them in your arms of love and encoragement! You will indeed show them the way in order to invite more people to join in and be apart of God's future.

gary willson said...

We're looking forward to having you and Jana --- soon!

Unknown said...

Great good news, Charlie! I know you and Jana will bless and be blessed.

Anonymous said...

So happy to have you back in Texas, the state is happier with you and Jana back where you belong.

May God bless your new ministry and hey you are getting a very different color hair than you use to have. Don't we all get older. Lonna

Anonymous said...

All I have needed thy hand has provided...God is providing Broadway Baptist with the most spiritually charged preacher we have ever known and He is providing you and Jana with yet another place to call home. The family of believers just keeps growing for you and all that you touch through His word. Congrats Charlie! Our family sends you their best.. Greg and Debbie Anderson, Amy, Adam and Barrett Lopez

Unknown said...

Charlie, it will be good to have you back in close geographical proximity. When Patti and returned from Colorado we relocated south of Weatherford.

I look forward to visiting Broadway Baptist and enjoying your inspirational sermons.

Warwick said...

Charlie,
I enjoyed meeting you and hearing you this morning at Broadway. You have a remarkable preaching gift and we are thrilled that you are leading us.

I sure would like for you to work with us so that your sermons would be blog-able at least by the church family as it would permit a dialogue with your congregation!

Blessings on you and yours,

Warwick Drakeford

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