Pastor Jeremy | Shelley | Lee Allen | Amy Pfaff-Biebel | Events
Dear Church Family,
This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to share the plan and process we will follow as we seek the Lord for a fresh vision for Towering Oaks Baptist Church. I want to place that before you again in writing. Six months and two weeks ago, I began serving as your Senior Pastor. From my very first conversation with Steve Hale, who chaired the pastor search committee, I have been praying that God would give us clear direction for our future here at Towering Oaks and in Greene County.
No great movement of God has ever taken place without being preceded by prayer. I am asking you, as your pastor, to deepen your prayer life in the weeks and months ahead. This must be a prayer-saturated process from beginning to end. While we do not yet have a finalized vision, the Lord has been stirring my heart in several key areas:
- Sports and Recreation Ministry
- Youth Ministry
- Media and Communications Ministry
To help guide this process, I have asked the following individuals to serve on an ad hoc ministry team we are calling the Vision Team:
- Steve Hale
- Tim Beddingfield
- Dillon Seaton
- Teresa Henry
- Kenny Jenkins
- Teaghan Cervantes
Together, we will walk through a deliberate and prayerful process that includes:
- Gathering information
- Developing a Purpose Statement, Vision Statement, and Core Values
- Analyzing what we learn
- Identifying strategic initiatives, goals, and action plans
Practically, this will involve:
- A church-wide membership survey
- Prayer and listening sessions
- Clarifying our purpose, vision, and core values for the future
- Evaluating what ministries we should start, strengthen, or conclude
- Assessing how we use our facilities at every level
- Assisting in the development of a long-range campus plan
As we move forward, I want us to anchor this process in God’s Word:
“But all things should be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40, ESV)
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18a, KJV)
Church family, I invite you to join me in praying earnestly for this process. I believe the Lord has great days ahead for Towering Oaks, and I am grateful to walk this journey together with you.
All for Jesus
Dr. Jeremy Roberts
He traveled to the region of Judea and crossed the Jordan. Crowds of people followed Him.
And as was His custom … He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. – Luke 4:16
As was His custom.
When I think about my life, I have to ask … what is “my custom” and is that how I want my life defined?
She went to work every day … as was her custom.
She ate at Mexican food weekly … as was her custom.
She loved her family and spent time with them every chance she got … as was her custom.
Jesus’ ministry was marked by teaching, performing miracles, and separating Himself for the purpose of prayer. These actions were like neon arrows all pointing to the foundation of what was His custom. These customary actions grew out of His desire to please and honor the Father. He was obedient to the Father. When I think about the grace and love of God, I am awed that the greatest power in all eternity has given you and me the opportunity to choose to please and honor Him. To choose “what is my custom.” To choose obedience.
I can choose what is my custom. So can you.
I want my life to be marked by obedience.
Obedience in the words I speak or don’t speak, the places I go, the thoughts I think. Obedience born out of a stronger prayer life. Obedience born out of knowing Him better. I can choose these things. God’s mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
She talked with God without an “amen” … as was her custom.
She loved and read His words … as was her custom.
She sought to obey Him … as was her custom.
And then the crowds converged on Him again and, as was His custom, He began teaching them once more. –Mark 10
Join me in teaching boys and girls the truth of God’s word while the opportunity is present. I am trusting God will provide everything and everyone we need July 20-24 for the best week of the summer…
Vacation Bible School.
I love you and serving alongside you. I’m looking forward to summer ministry and seeing boys and girls grow in their faith. Call me at 423-639-8106. I’ll tell you all about it. You’ll want to join me!
She baked cinnamon rolls for the Bible School volunteers … as was her custom
-Shelley Pierce
Happy May TOBC,
Dr. Paul Clark was the music and worship specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board from 2000 to 2016, and he became a friend and a mentor to me. He went home to be with the Lord several years ago, but I am thankful for his influence on worship leaders/music ministers across the state of Tennessee.
This is a quote from his book “Tune My Heart to Sing Thy Grace” that I am reading right now.
Biblical instruction regarding worship and singing emphasizes an attitude of love. It indicates order, teaching, encouragement, and concern for one another above self. The narrative calls for a sensitivity to non-believers who might be present in public worship, and an emphasis on faithful gathering for worship which includes singing.
It’s always a joy as the church triumphant to sing together in corporate worship. I encourage you every time we gather for corporate worship to sing joyfully unto the Lord. Let the Holy Spirit of God that raised Jesus from death work in your heart and mind and soul so that you may be an instrument of worship to Him, surrendering to His will and His way!
Please know how much you are loved and appreciated! The worship choir continues to take new members; we would love to have you join us!
To God be the Glory!
-Lee Allen
Dear T.O.B.C. Family,
I am eager to invite you to join us for graduation on Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 in the sanctuary. Following tradition, these four will be displaying memory tables about themselves in the foyer that can be observed prior to graduation. Please join me in prayer for our tiniest group of graduates that we’ve had yet. They may be small in number, but we know our God can use them to make a great impact for His Kingdom.
In His Service, Amy Pfaff-Biebel
Towering Oaks Christian School
Administrator
