JULY 2013
Connection Volume 47, Issue 7
A PUBLICATION OF DENTON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Register for The Leadership Summit LEADING FORWARD - Gary Loudermilk With the End in Sight Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:6 have always intrigued me: “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.” Too often people miss the “not yet” in the last phrase. As I write this article for the July Connection, I can apply that “not yet” to my own life as well. In early June, the Personnel Committee hosted a retirement reception for me. It was a great day for me for several reasons. First, our whole family was able to be present on that Sunday afternoon to celebrate with us. Second, we got to visit with some longtime friends that we had not seen in several years. Third, several associational leaders and co-workers shared some extremely kind words (Continued on page 2)
DBA CHURCHES
LEADERS F R O M E V E RY AR E N A WILL CONVENE FOR 2 DAYS TO BE C H AL L E N D E D
EQUIPPED
• $99 - before June 25 •
$129 - after June 25 Contact Rochelle for the Priority Code for registration:
[email protected] or call 940-498-5200.
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Volume 47, Issue 7
Leading Forward cont. (Continued from page 1)
about me that meant so much to me even though they probably are guilty of exaggeration. Finally, the association and individuals were very generous with gifts of appreciation. It was a memorable day for me. Since then, many have asked me how I am enjoying retirement. Truthfully, I am not yet. The end is in sight but the days of sleeping late have not yet begun. My announced retirement date was June 30. However, I have also agreed with the Personnel Committee to remain on the job until a new director is hired by the Executive Board. The Search Committee is continuing to work faithfully in seeking God’s person. So I believe that retirement is not yet, but the end is in sight. So what do I do between now and that unknown date when a new director begins and I officially retire? I believe that my role as Executive Director continues as it has been - relating to churches and church leaders and in the general administration and leadership of the association. But there are a few unique things that I plan to do during this time as well: 1. Pray regularly for our Executive Director Search Committee as they faithfully seek after God’s person for this position. 2. Encourage all churches to be supportive of the association in welcoming a new director. 3. Apply the words of John the
Baptist: “He must increase, while I decrease.”
the Israelites into the land that God had promised them.
4. Prepare information and helps that will make a new director’s transition to the association easier.
The end is in sight, but so is a new beginning. May we embrace both as we step forward in confidence following the Living Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
5. Pray for an unknown person that when the committee calls, he will be ready to respond. 6. Encourage church staff and leaders to be ready to volunteer to assist a new director in embracing the identity of the association. 7. Find a place for all the books, materials, and mementos that I have accumulated over 19 years in this office. I realize that the title of this article is a focus upon my concluding my work as your Executive Director. However, there is another title that could have been used – “A New Beginning Is Coming.” While change might be a concern to many people, there should always be anticipation and excitement regarding a new beginning or a new start. I am excited about what new ministries and adventures await me as I retire from DBA. Likewise, I anticipate great days ahead for DBA as you enter a new beginning with fresh leadership and renewed enthusiasm. Our God is great and mighty. Through history He has used one person in a place of leadership for a while and then replaced him with an even better one. Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, but with the end of the exodus journey in sight, God replaced Moses with Joshua who led
Staff Changes Jeff Miller has retired from serving as Minister of Music at New Hope, Aubrey. Frank Lott has been called as pastor at Love Fellowship Church, Celina. (previously Circle of Love Fellowship) Tyrone Hannah is the new church planter for Cornerstone Church of The Colony. If you have staff changes to include in the newsletter please email to
[email protected].
Calendar JULY
2
Search Committee
3
Reviews: - The Ecclesia - Cowboy Church of Cooper Creek - LifePoint
4
11:30 AM
9:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
4th of July DBA CLOSED AUGUST
8-9
The Global Leadership Summit
21
Finance Committee DBA Office
9:00 AM
22
Personnel Committee DBA Office
9:00 AM
27
Executive Board Highland Baptist, Denton
11:45 AM
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Did You Know. . . Preston Trail Community Church Preston Trail has broken ground on their relocation site on Independence Parkway in east Frisco. Paul Basden and Jim Johnson are the co-pastors of the church they founded over ten years ago in a movie theater at Stonebriar Mall in Frisco.
space. They have a special focus on Native Americans and Internationals.
First Rock Fellowship This is a brand new church but has its history in two of the longtime churches of our association. Rock Hill Baptist and First Baptist Aubrey completed their merger in the fall of 2012 and began meeting in the FBC Aubrey property as First Rock Fellowship in January 2013. Chris Walden is the pastor. Harrol Bowman, former pastor of FBC, Aubrey, retired in December. He and his wife are now active members of First Rock .
Valley Creek Church Preston Trail has broken ground on their relocation site.
Cowboy Church of Cooper Creek Sponsored by Brazos Trails Cowboy Church of Weatherford, Kirby Robinson is the church starter and founding pastor. They began in the old Cooper Creek school building. Recently, they have moved to the Rock Hill Baptist Church property after Rock Hill merged with FBC, Aubrey.
The Ecclesia This church start has been in our association for several months. They are sponsored by FBC, Denton. Ron Pate is the church starter and founding pastor. They currently meet in Ron’s home in Frisco as they look for a larger meeting
This Flower Mound church is in the process of building a new worship center at their present location in Flower Mound. They are also in the development stage of opening a second location for the church in Denton in the early fall. John Stickl is the pastor.
recreation, fellowship and classroom space. Elmer Cummings is the pastor.
Cornerstone Church of The Colony The newest church start in our association is Cornerstone Church of The Colony. They are sponsored by New Beginnings Church of Lewisville. Tyrone Hannah is the church starter and founding pastor of Cornerstone. They currently meet at 5313 S. Colony Blvd. at 11:00 AM on Sundays.
RockPointe Church RockPointe, also located in Flower Mound, has steel going up on their new worship center and classroom building. RockPointe celebrated their 10th Anniversary in the Fall of 2012. Ron Holton is the pastor.
Construction site in May at RockPointe
Valley Creek write scripture on walls of future Denton campus site.
New Hope, Aubrey New Hope, located on Highway 377 just north of Highway 380, is currently constructing a Family Life Center. This building will provide
Korean First Baptist Church Located in Flower Mound, Korean First Baptist has begun construction on their new worship center. Kyung Kim is the pastor of this church and was the founding pastor when it started as a church plant of First Baptist, Lewisville.
Connections (USPS 106550) Published monthly by Denton Baptist Association 1406 N. Corinth St., Ste. 408 Corinth, TX 76208-5448 Periodical Postage Paid at Denton, Texas POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the above address
www.dentonbaptist.org
Retirement Reception for Gary
Gary & Mary’s family: Kevin & Niki, Chase, Jennifer & Scott Matthew, Lauren, Haley Dr. Gary Loudermilk Retiring after 19 years as Executive Director of DBA
Gary & Mary Loudermilk
Rochelle, Gary & Lora DBA Staff
