Mobberly Magazine - Volume 6 Issue 1

VO LUME 6 I SSU E 1

WORSHIP UNGATHERED FINDING JOY IN AN EMPTY SANCTUARY Behind a Sunday Worship Uncovered Around the Block Young Adult Ministry Serves the City Setting the Framework Updating the Church Constitution Ground Rules Updating the Church Bylaws A Work in Progress Searching for a New Pastor

EDITOR’S DESK

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1

Editor Scott Link

SCOTT LINK

Assistant Editor, Graphic Designer Alyssa Rummel

Director of Communications

“Then Joshua set up in Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan, and he said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ you should tell your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the water of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up before us until we had crossed over.” Joshua 4:20-23 (CSB) Did you know that studies show that

Dec. 31, things didn’t magically get better.

it’s easier to remember bad events over

We woke up with the same struggles.

good ones? Times when we are angry, scared or hurt come to mind more quickly

God is still working. Lives are being

and with greater detail than times when

changed, people are serving, giving

things are good. This past year was filled

and being discipled, we are worshiping

with disappointment, frustration and

and growing and God is answering our

even anger. Memes across social media

prayers. God is moving in and among His

portrayed how terrible 2020 was. From a

people and around the world.

global scale to a personal level, we have all faced situations we never dreamed we

How are you marking the works of God

would experience.

in your life and those around you? When you look back on 2020 and 2021, will you

Perhaps that’s why God asked Israel to

focus on the bad, or be drawn to the times

gather the stones from the Jordan and pile

when God was moving in your life.

them as a reminder of something He had done. It would be easy to remember the

Pile up stones in your life. When God

decades of wandering in the wilderness,

moves, and He will move, be purposeful

but this pile of stones would focus their

about remembering. Write it down, take a

memory on the miraculous work of God.

picture or make or do something that will

When Israelites passed the marker, they

remind you of just how God was faithful

would remember and tell their children not

during hard times. Remind yourself of how

just about the hard days in the wilderness

God moved and answered your prayers.

but about His miracle as they entered the

Keep these reminders out, so you will see

promised land.

them. Purposefully remember the good that God brings to your life this year.

Photographer Alyssa Rummel Photo Contribution Chelsey Hess Writers Jenna Pace Alyssa Rummel Rachel Schulik Nanette Smith Gregg Zackary Editorial Assistance Christine Easter Molly Norwood Jennifer Sides Nanette Smith Alyssa Whitehurst

PASTORAL STAFF: Executive Pastor of Ministries Andy Hill Senior Associate Pastor of Worship and Administration Tim Whedbee Teaching Pastor Paul Coleman Pastor of Congregational Care Greg Martin Connect Pastor Brandon Watson Pastor of Marriage and Family Counseling Dr. Gregg Zackary Marshall Campus Pastor Geoffrey Davis

Mobberly Magazine Reprint Policy Contents copyright 2021 by Mobberly Baptist Church. All rights reserved.

The content in this issue of Mobberly Magazine may not be reproduced in part or in whole without written permission from Mobberly Baptist Church’s Communications Department. To obtain permission, please send your request to scottl@mobberly.org.

Editorial Inquiries: Contact Scott Link at scottl@mobberly.org.

I don’t know about you, but I got pretty tired of hearing events in 2020 described as unprecedented. I was ready for 2021 to be a lot more “precedented.” Yet, there are plenty of terrible things still happening in 2021. When the clock struck midnight on

Mobberly Baptist Church Longview Campus 625 E. Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 Marshall Campus 101 W. Carolanne Blvd.

Marshall, TX 75672

THIS ISSUE 4

WORSHIP UNGATHERED FINDING JOY IN AN EMPTY SANCTUARY

10

BEHIND A SUNDAY THE INS AND OUTS OF WORSHIP

16

AROUND THE BLOCK STEPPING UP IN A PANDEMIC Cory Perkins, Mobberly’s

She never expected the

For the congregation,

Minister to Young Families

Lord would have her stay

everything on a Sunday

and Young Adults, led

in Longview, but Lacy

flows seamlessly, but to

many others as they

Barron found purpose in

get to this point requires

served the community

leading worship in her

a lot preparation. The

They met people’s needs

hometown. In 2020, she

shift in 2020 brought new

even as the world seemed

had to overcome the

ideas and creativity to

to come to halt.

challenges of leading

Worship Gatherings.

others in virtual services.

22

SETTING THE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURING THE BODY OF CHRIST

23

GROUND RULES UPDATING FROM THE GROUND UP

24

A task force was formed

A WORK IN PROGRESS SEARCHING FOR A NEW PASTOR

to modernize our church’s

For the first time in 15

To safe-guard the Body of

bylaws. They tackled the

years, Mobberly is on a

Christ admist the changes

challenges of adding

mission to find a new

in society, Mobberly found

structure and defining

Shepherd for the flock.

a need to update the

responsibilities of church

Already deep into the

church’s constitution.

leaders and membership.

process, the Pastor Search

Together, a task force

Committee does not take

worked to solidify our faith

the task lightly.

and message.

People leading people into a life-changing, ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

CELEBRATING CHANGE WITH CONFIDENCE A NOTE FROM GREGG ZACKARY

T

here is a saying in Texas that if you don’t like the weather, stay around five minutes and it will change. Texans have

experienced wide weather swings in 2021, from toasty days in the 70s to arctic, record-setting negative digits. People respond

Paul emphasized the need for believers to rejoice in Christ. In

differently to weather changes. Some thrive and seem to say,

Philippians “joy” (chara) is used four times, “rejoice” (chairo)

bring it on. Some moan, and wonder when the sun will finally

occurs eight and “glad” occurs three times. Paul frequently wrote

shine again. Others are quite indifferent, accepting it is what it is.

in this epistle about the mind of a child of God; one’s manner of life is truly a reflection of what occupies his mind.

Life itself is filled with change. Some changes we seek and relish.

Like the weather, many changes come whether we are prepared

Paul’s joy was experienced and expressed in the following ways:

or not. Consider the changes you have experienced or watched from the sidelines in the first three months of 2021.

– In prayer, “always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.” (1:4)

I have walked through many different challenges with some of God’s precious people who have lost a loved one, received a lifethreatening illness, lost a job or had to relocate to a new city.

– Dealing with conflict, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice, Yes, and I will rejoice.” (1:18)

Change is inevitable, persistent and often surprising. We have a choice and a voice in some, and no warning or control in others.

At times it barges in uninvited often unwelcomed into our lives,

– For others, “Convinced of all this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in faith.” (2:2)

marriage, families, finances, health, education or career. When change comes, we must consider how to respond. We can chose to thrive or survive.

– Burnout, “Even if I am poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” (2:17)

Having experienced changes in his ministry assignment several times, the apostle Paul found himself in a sparsely furnished ministry office, with assigned companions and prison guards.

– Encouragement, “Likewise you should also be glad and rejoice with me.” (2:18)

Paul did not choose his jail cell office, but he did choose his response as he wrote chained to a Roman jailer. Paul responded

– Leaders, “I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that

to arrest and accusations with a word and witness of joy,

you may rejoice as seeing him again, and that I may be less

rejoicing with gladness 15 times.

anxious.” (2:28)

2 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

– Response to leaders, “So

He shows us how to choose involvement versus isolation. Paul

receive him in the Lord with all

valued and promoted healthy, restored relationships within the

joy, and honor such men.” (2:29)

fellowship of believers.

– In the end, “Finally my

We don’t get to choose our circumstances or all of the changes

brothers, rejoice in the Lord.”

we face in life, but we do get to choose our disposition, our

(3:1)

response to change. We can still choose joy in the Lord.

– Remembering a brother or

Choosing to trust is looking into the face of change and taking

sister, “Therefore, my brothers,

the situation to the Lord. We can take everything to the Lord, not

whom I love and long for, my joy

just a few things. When we do, the result is peace.

and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” (4:1) Paul gives us specific topics to focus on in the chaos and – No matter what, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice.” (4:4) – Assistance and help, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at

confusion of uninvited change. Though not easy, it is achievable by disciplining our thoughts.

We can choose biblical behavior that is pleasing and honorable

length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed

to the Lord over cultural conformity. You may feel alone, but you

concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” (4:10)

will be in good company as “the God of Peace will be with you.”

Continuing in Philippians 4:2-9, Paul presents five ways we can

When I was young, I remember hearing, “the only thing certain

grow rather than grumble when confronted with change.

in this world are death and taxes.” That may be true, but the cycle of change is also built into the world order; naturally,

“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also

economically, politically and physically. The only thing that is

ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended

certain not to change is God’s character. He is the Father, Son

for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my

and Holy Spirit. We can experience a peace that surpasses

coworkers whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the

human understanding and the presence of the God of peace

Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness

through our choices through change. Even more, we can

be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about

be people leading people into a life-changing, ever-growing

anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with

relationship with Jesus Christ.

thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:2-9 (CSB) MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 3

WORSHIP UNGATHERED FINDING JOY IN AN EMPTY SANCTUARY By: Jenna Pace

“The mind of man plans his way,

Music Arts and Theatre was a natural

reading God’s Word as she looked for

but the Lord directs his steps.”

next step after high school. A successful

God’s purpose for her life.

Proverbs 16:9

college career ensued, and after

L

acy Barron, a third-generation

graduating from college, Lacy began to

Her thoughts were set on performance,

wonder what God’s plan was for her.

somewhere in a large city with a bustling

Longview resident, has been singing

for as long as she can remember.

theatre scene like New York City or “I graduated from Oklahoma Baptist in

Chicago. The talent and the drive were

2010, and I decided to come back home

there, but she kept finding reasons to stay

“I’ve been involved in music ministry pretty

and live with my parents for what I thought

in her hometown.

much all my life,” she said, recounting her

would be just a couple of months,” Lacy

history with music.

said. “That was over ten years ago now.”

In her early months as a new college graduate, deep in the throes of searching

Growing up in a musical family, attending

In those first few months, Lacy searched

for purpose, Lacy began attending

Oklahoma Baptist University to major in

earnestly, spending time in prayer and

Mobberly Baptist Church.

4 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

“I started getting involved with Mobberly

years, I really started to feel a call to

“When I began volunteering in the music

because I knew that they had a great choir

stay,” she said. “I love Longview, probably

ministry, I knew that God gifted me with

program and a great music ministry, and I

because it’s home. Everyone here

a love for church music, but now I can

just knew that I had to be involved,” Lacy

values community, and they value their

define that calling as a passion for leading

said. “I developed a love for Mobberly.”

neighbors.”

others to Christ through worship. In fact, that’s become my favorite realization about

Meanwhile, though she didn’t know how

Friendship and Community

singing. Worship has proven to be much

significant he would be to her at the time,

A familiar face at Mobberly, you can usually

more fulfilling in that way.”

Lacy became good friends with her future

find Lacy leading worship on Sundays,

husband, Brandon, while working as a

fulfilling her goal to share the love of God

However, for Lacy, the goal of worship has

cashier at Barron’s.

and lead others to Him in praise. After

not changed.

ten years at the church, she says her “I started loving my job at Barron’s, so

understanding of how to lead people in

“I think that a worship ministry’s main

after being in Longview for about two

worship has grown.

goal should be leading everyone to God’s MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 5

throne,” she said. “Whether by singing

“Just being able to go to a rehearsal or

a solo, serving as a member of the

show up on a Sunday morning and have

orchestra or being a sound person, a call

other people there who are seeking the

to be on a platform is a call to lead others

same thing has helped strengthen my

into worship.”

faith; I’m not alone in trying to figure out what God wants for me,” she said.

She’s quick to add that while the music ministry’s main objective is to lead the

Lacy found her path through other

Mobberly community in worship, they also

faithful individuals she connected with at

take care of one another.

Mobberly in the music ministry.

“I love Mobberly’s worship team because

“It wasn’t until I started connecting with my

I do feel like they take wonderful care

church friends, who turned out to be a lot

of their members, and they truly have a

of people in the Mobberly music ministry,

passion for leading our congregation and

that I really got it,” Lacy said. “God used

church members into God’s presence.”

them to guide me to where I am now,

Lacy draws strength from fellow worship ministry members, united in their goal of knowing God and His purpose.

6 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

“I didn’t realize how much I relied on the connection of singing with others in fellowship to revive my spirit.”

and so through being a part of the music

connection of singing with others in

ministry, God has really opened up my

fellowship to revive my spirit.”

heart to receive His purpose.”

One way Lacy coped with the void left by Lacy believes the care that the music

the lack of in-person worship connection

ministry members demonstrate toward one

was by leading Facebook Live Hymn

another is a healthy example of Christian

Sings.

fellowship; loving one another in word and in deed.

“One evening last March, my dear friends who I met through Mobberly, Ricky and

The friendships Lacy has made while

Amanda Thompson and her sister, Ashley

volunteering at Mobberly proved essential

Sterrett, felt called to lead a Facebook Live

when the shelter-in-place order went into

Hymn Sing together so that anyone who

effect last March as a result of COVID-19.

needed a healing through worship could participate.”

“Quarantine felt like a weird vacation at first, but as weeks went by without

Recounting the night with a smile, Lacy

receiving a much-anticipated request

said it was a balm for her hurting heart.

to serve on our worship team, my spirit began to feel defeated,” Lacy said. “It

“Following the live event, we all shed tears

was definitely the longest time I’d gone

of sorrow and joy. We had missed singing

without singing with other people and I

together so much. The experience was

didn’t realize how much I relied on the

truly sanctifying. In that moment we, as MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 7

“Since quarantine last year, there have been several times when I have been at work, and people that I may not even know have come up to me, some almost in tears, and expressed how thankful they were that we continued to lead worship during quarantine, even if it was online because they felt like they needed that connection through music.” leaders, couldn’t do anything but lay down

Worship Gatherings,” Lacy said. “However

our aching burdens together at the feet of

daunting those changes were, God has

Jesus. That is what we desire when we

increased my faith by allowing me to settle

lead worship.”

into a form of ministry I never thought I’d be a part of.

Although intended as a one-time occurrence, the group continued Hymn

“I’ve always cringed at the thought of

Sings for weeks.

being on camera and now it’s become a regular occurrence. I am streamed right

“It was so moving, and we heard from so

into people’s homes.”

many people how thankful they were that God used us to minister to them while they

Lacy recognizes how deeply influential

were stuck at home,” Lacy said.

the music ministry was in sustaining the Mobberly community during the COVID-19

All For His Glory

shutdown.

The global pandemic redefined what worship looked like at Mobberly. Instead

“Since quarantine last year, there have

of a sanctuary full of people, there were

been several times when I have been at

empty chairs and online worship.

work, and people that I may not even know have come up to me, some almost

8 | M OB B E R LY M AG AZ I N E

“Restructuring how to lead worship has

in tears, and expressed how thankful they

been a challenge over the past year

were that we continued to lead worship

since we’ve had to make changes to our

during quarantine, even if it was online

because they felt like they needed that

go ahead and make it! God is calling you

perfect timing. Even when she thought life

connection through music.”

to worship Him through song. There’s

would look completely different, she knows

so much in the Bible about shouting and

she has always been where she belongs.

She is confident of God’s Hand working

singing praise. When we as humans do

through the music ministry during that

that, we are releasing ourselves to a higher

Lacy thought her return to Longview and

time, especially for those who were

power which is our Almighty God.”

her job at Barron’s would be temporary;

homebound.

but now she’s an integral part of Barron’s God’s Plan Revealed

operation. After her friendship with

“I think that God used us in that way to

Excited for the future, Lacy sees ministry

Brandon Barron continued to develop,

give people comfort. We were streaming

to a growing Mobberly community through

the two decided their relationship was

joy into homes, especially for those who

leading worship for years to come.

something more. They’ll celebrate their fifth

were not able to get out.”

wedding anniversary this year.

“I think that the music ministry has been

Worshiping at home can come with lots

able to lead worship in a way that makes

“I think that it’s pretty incredible because

of distractions: cell phones chiming, dogs

everyone feel welcome at Mobberly,” Lacy

this was not the plan that I had in mind for

barking or kids playing during a sermon.

said. “I believe a multi-generational church

myself. I truly believe that if we stop and

But, Lacy encourages everyone to actively

can do so many things to help us achieve

listen to God’s plan, that’s when life is so

participate in the Worship Gatherings.

our mission to lead people into a life-

much sweeter.”

For those who aren’t naturally musically

changing, ever-growing relationship with

inclined, she says to sing anyway.

Jesus Christ.”

“Everyone should make a joyful noise.

It may not have always been apparent, but

Even if you don’t think it sounds joyful,

God’s plan for Lacy was unfolding with MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 9

BEHIND A SUNDAY THE INS AND OUTS OF WORSHIP By: Alyssa Rummel

W

hen you walk into the Worship

With so many pieces, it might make you

Melinda Burns, Mobberly’s Worship

Center at Mobberly on a Sunday

wonder, what exactly goes into making

Ministry Coordinator, said. “But, we are

there is much more happening than first

a service happen? First, you must

always looking two to three months ahead

meets the eye. Behind the often seamless

understand that a Worship Gathering

from a more general perspective as far

choreography of music playing, lights

begins long before a Sunday.

as upcoming special events and guest

changing and lyrics scrolling are sound

preachers are concerned. This helps us

boards being monitored, cameras being

“We make it our goal to plan at least

make sure we have the right personnel

operated, videos and graphics queued

two weeks in advance for a Sunday with

assigned and equipment to meet whatever

and people in line for baptisms.

regard to the specific songs and details,”

needs are coming up.”

10 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

There are a lot of factors that must be

These pieces are what the group as a

so they can hear the beat in their ears

considered when planning a service, but

whole has to consider, but each person

which helps them stay together on songs.

there is one more important than any of

has individual roles in implementing what

the others.

is planned.

“First, we always need to consider WHO

“Leading up to the service is all about

director out front conducting,” Melinda

our worship is for,” Melinda said. “It’s not

getting our teams ready to lead worship,”

said. “Each track is custom prepared for

for us. It’s not for the preacher. It’s not for

Nate said. “This includes preparing music,

our service; for the songs we will sing, in

our congregation. It’s for the LORD! So,

as well as helping prepare our hearts for

the keys we will sing them, with the correct

the first thing to consider is what will bring

what God has called us to do.”

verses and words that we will sing. We

“The tracks are especially essential now since worship has moved away from a

Him glory and honor and satisfaction.”

Mobberly strives to achieve variety from week-to-week and looks for new ways to bring life into services.

“While each week often includes many of the same elements such as songs, preaching and prayer, we try to look for new, fresh ways to incorporate and intertwine these elements together,” Nate Harrison, Mobberly’s Associate Worship Minister, said.

The worship ministry looks over the pieces

“First, we always need to consider WHO our worship is for. It’s not for us. It’s not for the preacher. It’s not for our congregation.

It’s for the LORD! ” Melinda Burns

of a Worship Gathering and formulates a plan to help each piece compliment and strengthen another.

It can vary week-to-week, but in the Longview Worship Center there are up to

“We consider whatever Scripture

22 vocalists, eight band members and 15

passage the preacher will be preaching

orchestra members on any given Sunday.

from and choose songs to compliment the message,” Melinda said. “Then we

Teams are assigned two weeks in advance

consider how to engage the congregation.

so they can be ready to lead musically.

Rehearsals take place for vocalists and

“It may be by choosing a particular style

musicians during the week and then again

of music for the week. Sometimes it is by

before the Sunday Worship Gatherings.

actually automate the lyric slides to change as we play the tracks along with the songs. We want all this to be unnoticed by the congregation, but this does add dramatically to the quality of the music and production aspects.”

No matter how well-thought out a service is, there is inevitably something that needs to be adjusted. But, no fear, there is a plan for that, too.

“The more we learn and seek to grow in worship ourselves in the time that we aren’t together, the more that we can worship biblically when we are together.”

Nate Harrison

reading a Scripture passage or having the congregation read a Scripture aloud. We

“We want the vocalists to be so prepared

have to think about how the lighting can

that they can truly worship on Sunday

“During a worship service, I have a

enhance/detract from the worship. We

morning and not be worrying about notes

microphone through which I can talk to the

continually try to present the best sound

and rhythms,” Melinda said. “We consider

vocalists and instrumentalists in their ear if

so that it is pleasing to people’s ears and

everyone on the platform to be a worship

there is a sudden change to be made or if

does not distract them from worshiping

leader, and they need to be that prepared.”

we lose the lyric screens or something like

the Lord. In this season, when we cannot

that,” Melinda said.

take up an offering physically, we also

Melinda and Nate help musicians by

want to remind people to make giving a

building tracks for them. Muscians use ear

Besides the host of worship volunteers,

part of their worship.”

pieces that play the tracks during worship

there are dozens of people greeting at MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 11

the doors, ushering people to their seats,

One way the worship ministry adapted

running cameras, changing lyrics, lining

was by rearranging parts of the platform to

up people for baptisms and then cleaning

accommodate distance between vocalists

up after everyone leaves. Each person

and musicians.

provides a vital role each Sunday.

“Our Orchestra sits in our Choir loft so they “I don’t think people realize how

can be safely distanced,” Melinda said.

much detail goes into every part of a

“Our Choir consists of a smaller number of

Sunday,” Mindy Avedikian, Mobberly’s

people singing on individual microphones

Worship Producer, said. “Lyrics have

safely spaced across the platform. We

to be prepared in the machines once

rotate Choir members who can participate

the worship order is decided. Platform

through on Sundays. It’s not what we are

presentation is also something we spend a

used to, and it may not be what we would

lot of time on. There is a crazy amount of

prefer. But, it has worked, and there have

gaff tape up there!”

been some really good things come from our new set-up.”

This past year has added unusual challenges to planning a service. When

Over the past year, Nate has seen how the

church moved solely online, the playbook

time away from corporate worship taught

was wiped clean.

him how to be a better leader.

“Worship is about turning our focus onto

“I have learned that leading worship is

the Lord,” Melinda said. “That is one thing

often a one-on-one relational experience

we knew could unify our church body in

that can then be translated to a gathering

grief, sorrow, fear and uncertainty.”

of people,” Nate said. “The more we learn and seek to grow in worship ourselves in

With that in mind, the team had to regroup

the time that we aren’t together, the more

and reimagine what a Worship Gathering

that we can worship biblically when we

could be.

are together.”

“COVID-19 has created the need for

The adjustments made to Worship

creativity!” Mindy said. “We had to look at

Gatherings during 2020 may be starting to

what we used to do, the people that we

feel normal, but the team is ready to react

have, our desire to use as many people

to whatever comes next.

as possible to serve and come up with a safe way to use them that will encourage

“We must adapt to the curves thrown at

worship from our people.”

us,” Melinda said. “Our team members and volunteers have proven to be resilient

The familiar rhythm of worship had to

and willing to embrace changes.”

be retuned in a way to accommodate a mostly digital audience.

Each time you walk into a Worship Gathering might be different than the week

“The last year has forced us to look at the

prior, but the team hopes that each time

way we were doing things and figure out

you leave with a full, worshipful heart.

how to adapt them, not only to an online worship experience, but to make it a more unifying time of worship for our church as a whole,” Nate said.

12 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

“Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens!

Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp!

Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe!

Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!”

Psalm 150, ESV Top: Melinda Burns, Mobberly’s Worship Coordinator, plays the piano during a Worship Gathering.

Middle: A full, yet safely distanced, platform of singers and muscians on a Sunday morning in the Longview Worship Center.

Bottom: Lucas Green, Mobberly’s Director of Video Production, works the switch board on a Sunday.

MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 13

Ricky Ruiz is the Minister of Mobberly En EspaÑol. He joined Mobberly’s staff in the Spring of 2015. Originally from Puerto Rico, Ricky moved to Texas in 2003 to attend LeTourneau University. There he met his wife of two years, Christine. They have one daughter, Sofía.

How did you come to know Christ? When I was 11 years old, I was visiting Brooklyn Tabernacle. There I witnessed the best choir and musicians I had ever heard in my young life. Still, even more impacting was discovering that the majority of the

PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS

members of the choir and band had a tragic past from which God had saved them. Some had grown up homeless; many enslaved by drugs and addictions. Others had been orphans and had even gone into a life of prostitution. As I stood there that morning

take on the duties of pastoring this ministry with humility, great

watching them declare glory to the One who had delivered them

excitement and Godly fear. I pray this fear will provoke constant

from certain death, I was overwhelmed by God’s mercy and

reverence and acknowledgment that God alone produces growth.

love. By the end of the sermon, I couldn’t stop crying. My mom explained that it was the Holy Spirit drawing me to God the Father.

What is your favorite part of your job? One of my passions is

I made the decision to confess my sins and declare Jesus Christ

helping to create a multilingual environment at Mobberly. Whether

as my Savior.

it be singing in Spanish during combined Worship Gatherings, interpreting live sermons, translating printed materials or simply

What is your favorite Bible verse? All of Psalm 8, but as I

greeting people at the door in both languages, the whole purpose

continue growing in the Christian faith, verses three and four have

is to further a Kingdom-minded church to reach more people for

stood out the most. I constantly find myself asking the same thing

God regardless of what language they speak.

as verse four, “what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him?” God created space and the celestial

How has your faith grown through serving in ministry?

bodies that can’t be numbered, and it all submits to His will.

I’ve always enjoyed serving others. I believe it is because most of

And yet, He continues to be involved in the lives of His people,

the time one gets to see immediate results from actions such as

sending His own Son to die in our place. He did it so that we, like

opening a door for visitors, straightening chairs before a Worship

the psalmist, can also exclaim: “how magnificent is Your name

Gathering or working the sound booth. One gets used to hearing

throughout the earth!”

people thank you for your efforts, but that can lead us into danger by stealing the glory that should belong to God. The Bible reminds

Who has had the greatest impact on you spiritually?

us that, “every good and perfect thing comes from above, coming

My mom. Her commitment to loving God whole-heartedly has

down from the Father”. Serving has helped me to reevaluate why

always set a standard for me to emulate. What I learned from

I do what I do, for even the ability to serve others comes directly

her most of all is those moments of great difficulty and pain

from Him.

don’t mean a forgetful God; instead, they are opportunities to strengthen our faith. Even now, as I wait for the day when I see

If you were not in ministry, what would you be doing? My

her again in the Lord’s presence, I can still hear the lessons she

goal and studies were focused on engineering and aeronautics, so

taught me, especially about relying on God for daily strength.

I believe that is what I would be doing if God hadn’t redirected my path so that I could do what I now love doing here at Mobberly.

What is your job at Mobberly?

My new role as minister of Mobberly En Español allows me to

Something most people don’t know about me is... I

serve as an example for the flock, leading through the teaching of

almost didn’t move to Texas. Before pursuing engineering, I was

God’s word and shepherding members and visitors who attend

accepted into Yale to pursue law school and made plans to live

our Spanish-language Worship Gatherings and Connect Groups.

in New York. I came to Texas at the last minute seeking to be

I continue to coordinate efforts to serve our Spanish-speaking

near my family. My older brother had recently moved here with his

community through opportunities outside the church walls. I

family after enlisting in the Army. The best decision of my life!

1 4 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

Ricky Ruiz es el pastor de Mobberly En Español. Se unió al personal de Mobberly en Abril de 2015. Originalmente de Puerto Rico, Ricky se mudó a Texas en el 2003 para asistir a la Universidad de LeTourneau donde conoció a su esposa Christine. Tienen una hija llamada Sofía.

En Español. Mi llamado es el de servir como ejemplo al rebaño, discipular por medio de la enseñanza bíblica, y pastorear a los miembros y visitantes que asisten a las reuniones de alabanza cada domingo y demás grupos en español cada semana.

También ayudo a coordinar eventos para servir a la comunidad habla-hispana del area. Tomo mis responsabilidades y deberes como pastor con mucha humildad, emoción y temor. Yo oro de ¿Cómo vino a conocer de Cristo? Cuando tenía 11 años de

que este temor provoque un estado de completa dependencia en

edad, visitábamos una iglesia en Brooklyn. Ahí disfrute de los

Dios, pues es Él el que provoca el crecimiento y da la fortaleza.

mejores coristas y músicos que había escuchado en mi vida.

Esa mañana descubrí que la mayoría de ellos venían de pasados

¿Cuál es la parte favorita de su trabajo? Una de mis

trágicos y difíciles de los cuales Dios los había rescatado.

pasiones es cultivar un ambiente plurilingüe en Mobberly. Sea

Muchos habían sido vagabundos, esclavos a las drogas y

ayudando a cantar canciones en español e inglés durante los

adicciones, huérfanos, y hasta en una vida de prostitución. Al

servicios unidos, interpretando sermones en vivo, traduciendo

verlos ahí adorando y glorificando el nombre de Aquel quien los

material de comunicación, o simplemente saludando en la entrada

había libertado de la muerte, no pude contenerme al experimentar

en ambos idiomas, el propósito es el de desarrollar una iglesia

por primera vez el amor y la misericordia de Dios. Al terminar

que se parezca más y más al reino de Dios para así alcanzar a

el sermón esa mañana, no podía parar de llorar. Mi madre me

más personas sin importar que lenguaje hablen.

explicó que era el Espíritu Santo llamándome ante el Padre Celestial. Tome la decision ese día de confesar mis pecados y

¿Cómo ha crecido su fe al servir en el ministerio? Siempre

declarar a Jesucristo como mi salvador.

he disfrutado servir a los demás. Abrirle la puerta a alguien, u organizar las sillas antes del servicio, o ayudar con el sistema

¿Cuál es su versículo bíblico favorito? Todo el Salmo 8.

de sonido. Uno se puede acostumbrar a escuchar a la gente

Mientras he continuado creciendo en la fe cristiana, los versículos

decir gracias por los esfuerzos de uno, pero eso puede traernos

tres y cuatro han resaltado más y más. A menudo me encuentro

problemas porque podemos terminar usurpando la gloria que

preguntándome, “¿qué es el hombre para que de él te acuerdes,

le pertenece a Dios. La Biblia nos dice que toda dádiva y todo

y el hijo del hombre para que lo cuides?” Dios lo creó todo,

don perfecto viene de lo alto de parte del Padre. El servir me ha

aún las innumerables galaxias, y todo se somete a Su voluntad.

ayudado a darle la gloria aun más a Dios, ya que aun los dones

Sin embargo, Dios continúa estando envuelto en la vida de Su

de servir vienen por parte de Él.

pueblo, enviando a Su propio hijo para que muriera en nuestro lugar. Él lo hizo para que, así como el Salmista, pudiéramos

¿Si no estuviera en el ministerio, qué estaría haciendo?

exclamar: “¡cuán glorioso es tu nombre en toda la tierra!”

Mi meta y estudios son en ingeniería y aeronáutica, así que yo creo que es eso lo que estuviera haciendo si Dios no hubiera

¿Quién ha causado el mayor impacto en tu vida espiritual?

cambiado mi rumbo para hacer lo que hoy en día amo hacer aquí

El ejemplo que vi en mi madre, estableció un gran estándar en

en Mobberly.

mi vida como creyente. Lo que ella más me enseñó es que los momentos de gran dificultad y dolor no significan que Dios se

Algo que la mayoría de la gente no conoce sobre mi… Por

olvida de nosotros, sino que estos brindan gran oportunidad para

poco no llegué a Texas. Fui aceptado al programa de leyes de la

fortalecer nuestra dependencia en Él.

Universidad de Yale y mi deseo era trabajar cerca de Nueva York.

Al uúltimo instante decidí que era más importante estar cerca de

¿Qué trabajo hace en Mobberly?

mi familia. Mi hermano mayor está en el ejercito. Él y su familia se

Mi rol presente es el de pastor sobre el ministerio de Mobberly

acababan de mudar a Texas. ¡La mejor decisión de mi vida!

MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 15

AROUND THE BLOCK STEPPING UP DURING A PANDEMIC By: Nanette Smith

“I have a heart for Longview because it’s in my DNA. I was raised by a single mom and grew up in an area of poverty and families experiencing a lot of struggle.”

A

fter graduating from Longview High School, Cory Perkins, Mobberly’s

Minister to Young Families and Young 16 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

Left: Eleventh grade student, Luke Spence, holds up a sign advertising the ministry block party. Many different ministries joined with the young adults to host the event which included games, food, prizes and sharing the gospel.

Opposite page: A family smiles at a block party in South Longview. The Young Adult ministry held the party after cleaning up a neighborhood lot last fall.

Photos by: Chelsey Hess

Adults, felt called to ministry. He attended

schedules, Cory asked them to partner

Molly Norwood, Mobberly’s Maturing and

East Texas Baptist University and then

with him to help people in the community

Young Adult Administrative Assistant,

went into youth ministry. After serving 14

that were hurting, through practical acts of

served alongside the team regularly. She

years with another local church, he came

love and service. He organized a team and

began to notice Cory had a God-given

on staff at Mobberly in 2019.

they began to search for a location.

ability to identify people who are hurting

“I’m very passionate about being the

“We located an area where the mother of

hands and feet of Christ and endeavor

one of the young adults involved in our

“Cory seemed to know who needed our

to minister in tangible and practical ways

ministry lived,” Cory said. “As we drove

help and where we could find them. He

to people where they are, leaving the

through the neighborhood, we could see

introduced us to families with a variety of

church campus and helping people, asking

physical needs and potential projects.”

needs ranging from cancer to financial

and in need.

nothing in return,” Cory said.

distress. We didn’t just minister to one The team started doing yard work;

type of need. We helped multiple people

When COVID-19 hit in March of 2020,

mowing, trimming, removing weeds,

with a variety of needs.”

several of Mobberly’s Young Adult ministry

collecting trash and planting flowers.

members lost their jobs or couldn’t go

Throughout their time, they also did some

As the team worked to minister in the

to work. Seeing the free time in their

minor repairs and delivered food to people.

neighborhood, they began to see the MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 17

community’s positive reaction and within

“One of the goals we had for this time of

the group itself.

ministering to the neighborhood was to gain trust and build relationships so that

“One of our young adults that was a

we could do a block party,” Cory said.

coach was not able to go to school to serve because his school shut down. So,

Relationships within the neighborhood

he joined the team,” Cory said. “After

weren’t the only ones being made. Scott

that, you could see a light in his eyes. His

Schulik, Mobberly’s Minister to Maturing

face reflected exactly what we wanted to

Adults, organized a group of about 15

happen. That core value of serving others

senior adults to serve alongside the young

is very contagious.”

adults. Together the older generation served with the younger. They cleared out

Serving three or four hours a week, the

the lot in that neighborhood that was used

group was tired, dirty and sweaty, but

for the block party. Working side-by-side,

once they served, they were locked in.

the senior adults and young adults, used

Most weeks, after working, participants

weed eaters, cleared fence lines, trimmed

gathered for lunch and a time of shared

hedges and moved trash, transforming the

experiences and fellowship.

nearly one-acre lot.

“It was an eye-opening experience for a lot of our young adults, who were being pushed out of their normal context and many of whom had never seen that type of poverty.”

Cory Perkins

A block party was organized to take place on the neighborhood lot that had been cleared. Enlisting different groups from the church, they brought in bounce houses, served hamburgers, gave away bikes and other items. A GO Share team came and spoke with people, sharing the gospel.

“It was great to see our church come together to serve the hundreds of people that came, practically showing the neighborhood, ‘Hey, we love you, and we want you to know it,’” Cory said, remembering that day. “We saw two

“We’ve all heard that we aren’t created to

teenagers accept Jesus Christ. We saw

do life alone, and I think that is true,” Blain

relationships being built with widows and

Waggoner, a member of the young adult

elderly people.”

group, said. “The feeling of support and the relational aspect of this group is why

At Thanksgiving, the group did a project

I love these people so much. It’s why I

called “Thanksliving.” They gathered

continue to be a part of it.”

turkey, stuffing, green beans and yams with the intent of delivering them to

Not wanting this to be a one-time mission

families that may not be able to afford a

project, the team ministered to people

Thanksgiving meal. They packed young

with family, financial or health issues for

adults and 54 boxes of food into three

ten weeks. They became invested in the

vans and headed to a local neighborhood.

people they were serving. Many of the

1 8 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

residents expressed their gratitude for the

“Unannounced, we went door-to-door,

work done in their neighborhood.

handing out the boxes, praying with

Left: Cory Perkins, Mobberly’s Minister to Young Families and Young Adults, smiles in the lot that the ministry cleared for the block party. It was one of several projects they did in the neighborhood.

Below: Molly Norwood, Cory Perkins and Blain Waggoner hug in the lot. Molly and Blaine participated in the service projects thoughout last year.

families, and then sharing the gospel when

Blain had heard about the church being

the opportunity was presented,” Cory said.

hands and feet of Christ but he had now

“We also took bags of Christmas gifts for

experienced it for himself. Helping others

any kids that were part of the families.”

by meeting their needs, doing yard work, cleaning up their property and having a

When the group arrived, they received

chance to speak life and hope into their

wary looks, but people became hospitable

situations, made an impact on him.

and receptive as they moved through the neighborhood. Eventually, they began

“It was good to just get out there and

sharing prayer requests for their children

converse with people, and let them open

and sick family members.

up and be able to share the gospel with them,” Blain said. “Showing God’s love to

“We were able to openly pray out in the

people through our actions and our words

neighborhood square,” Cory said. “It was

was great.”

an eye-opening experience for a lot of our young adults, who were being pushed out

By seeing and

of their normal context and many of whom

responding to the

had never seen that type of poverty.”

needs in their city and impacting their

After multiple weeks of working with the

physical situations

group, Molly saw the effects on both the

tangibly, the team

neighborhood and the participants.

was blessed, perhaps more so

“Some participants had not been involved

than the recipients.

in any ministry and were able to join us.

Some had lived in the area at one time.

God used Cory’s

Three people from the neighborhood

leadership and

joined the efforts and have now become

desire to see

part of the young adult group,” Molly said.

people grow in MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 19

“I believe that our young adults saw that there’s missions right here in East Texas. We don’t necessarily have to sign up for a mission trip and go somewhere far away. It’s right here in Longview.”

Cory Perkins Above: A group of senior adults and young adults smile after clearing the lot for the block party.

Right: Students clean up a yard in a South Longview neighborhood.

Far right: Molly Norwood, Rachel Schulik and Abigail Archer plant flowers in a freshly mulched flower bed. deeper fellowship to cultivate a family

“As the church, we’re involved in being the

atmosphere in the group.

hands and feet of Christ. However, what makes us different from some other social

“There were times in the past that I felt I

justice groups, is that we are coming to

“I believe that our young adults saw that

lacked spiritually,” Blain said. “But there is

people in the name of Jesus Christ, not

there’s missions right here in East Texas.

something about community that breathes

pushing our own agenda. We might mow

We don’t necessarily have to sign up for a

life into you. It’s the deeper relationships

your yard. We might weed-eat your fence

mission trip and go somewhere far away.

that change you and are long-lasting.”

line. But, we are also going to pray with

It’s right here in Longview.”

you, and we’re going to share the gospel Cory sees the biblical mandate to care

at some point in some way.”

for the widows and the orphans, and

As you drive in our community, you may come across some newly cleaned fence

considers orphans as not just people that

Cory’s passion and vision are to see

lines with cleared yards boasting colorful

are in orphanages, but also people that

serving the community become a part of

blossoms. These are the tangible residue

are single; single mothers and people

our church’s DNA. He hopes for Mobberly

of God’s grace and love, a legacy left by

who have parents but their parents

to consistently be outside the walls of our

the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

aren’t present in their lives. He desires to

church buildings. His desire is to be known

continue to locate hurting people in the

as a church that continually loves and

community and lead the church toward

serves all people, connecting the church

meeting their needs while sharing the hope

with the community by sharing the hope of

of the gospel.

the gospel.

20 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

There will always be times when you just need a little HELP AND HOPE. We have groups to aid those who are facing tough times, and we are firmly committed to HELPING IN ANY WAY WE CAN.

Find a detailed list of our support groups and the current schedule by visiting mobberly.org /thrive Find a detailed list of our support groups and the or by calling 903.232.1313. current schedule by visiting mobberly.org /thrive or by calling 903.232.1313.

MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 2 1

SETTING THE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURING THE BODY OF CHRIST By: Rachel Schulik

T

hrough its many generations,

Mobberly’s updated Constitution provides

“It is important that all members

locations and leadership, the

countless scriptures to explain the

understand what is contained in both

foundation of Mobberly Baptist Church has

church’s beliefs on evangelism, missions,

the Constitution and Bylaws,” Staci

always been and will continue to be rooted

baptism, the Kingdom of Heaven among

said. “These two documents are key

in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for

others. Additionally, it includes scriptural

to understanding what we believe as a

my feet and a light on my path.”

references to defend Christian beliefs on

church body and help to ensure that our

modern social issues such as marriage,

church operates in an organized and

human sexuality and the sanctity of life.

consistent manner.”

along the way, but one thing remains

“This document should guide the church’s

The Bylaws Task Force’s attention to

certain: the Word of God guides our

ministry and the daily lives of our members,”

improving the document’s readability will

church’s path. When it came time to craft

Staci Martin, the Vice Chairwoman of the

ensure that the Church Constitution is

the new Church Constitution, the Bylaws

Bylaws Task Force, said.

accessible to all members of Mobberly

Over the past year, Mobberly has undergone changes and faced challenges

Task Force’s primary goal was to reflect on

Baptist Church along with any other

God’s Word and support the Constitution’s

In addition to supporting the idea of

beliefs with biblical truths. The Bible served

the Church Constitution as a scriptural

as the primary resource in updating the

reference book, Staci also shed light on

As Mobberly looks towards the future

document with carefully examined and

the importance of member involvement.

and a new era in the life of the church,

biblically-sound secondary sources.

Mobberly’s leadership and committees

the Church Constitution will continually

promoted church member collaboration

be reflected upon and utilized in making

“Our Constitution is largely based on the

in the crafting of this document through

informed, biblically-based decisions.

Southern Baptist Convention’s Baptist

prayer, town hall meetings and the church

Faith and Message doctrinal statement,

vote for approval on Feb. 28, 2021. With

“Our task force hopes that these changes

which was updated in 2000,” Brian Bunt,

member involvement in mind, the Bylaws

will strengthen our church’s foundation as

the Chairman of the Bylaws Task Force,

Task Force had an additional goal for

we move forward,” Staci said.

said. “Our Consititution still referenced the

Mobberly’s updated Constitution.

1963 version.”

interested parties.

With the Bible, the foundations of “A lesser but still important goal was

Mobberly’s Constitution will be utilized in

Observing the changes in society,

to improve understandability in the

our search for a new pastor, our continual

SBC’s Baptist Faith and Message Study

Constitution’s wording,” Brian said.

growth as a church and undertaking

Committee updated their doctrinal

our mission of being people leading

statement, which delves into 18 scripturally

This is a shared goal for all Bylaws Task

people into a life-changing, ever-growing

supported doctrinal beliefs.

Force members and is echoed by Staci.

relationship with Jesus Christ.

22 | M O B B ERLY M AG A ZI N E

I

n 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul

“Our church’s ministry requires the full

The church members’ responsibility is to

instructs both the ancient church at

participation of every member,” Brian

participate in the Bylaws’ construction

Corinth and modern churches of the

Bunt, Chairman of the Bylaws Task Force,

actively. Becoming involved in the process

importance of accountability as individuals

said. “Passive members make for an

of revising Mobberly’s Bylaws allows

and as organizations. 1 Corinthians 12:26-

ineffective congregation and ministry.

church members to share their scripturally-

27: “If one part suffers, every part suffers

We hope all members will commit to full

based and prayerful and thoughts on the

with it; if one part is honored, every part

participation in the life and operation

document to guide Mobberly into the future.

rejoices with it. Now you are the body of

of our church. We believe the updated

Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Constitution and Bylaws will secure an

“The updated Constitution and Bylaws are

effective operation of our church and

a tool that the Pastor Search Committee

Mobberly’s leadership and members firmly

improve cooperation and communication

has available to communicate our beliefs

believe in rooting their actions in biblical

among its members and leaders.”

and how our church operates to a

truths. So, it is no coincidence that the

prospective Senior Pastor candidate,”

word accountability frequently occurred

Brian emphasized that Mobberly’s updated

as Bylaws Task Force members were

Bylaws are not merely for use by church

interviewed about updating the bylaws.

staff and leadership. Instead, the Bylaws

Over the next few months, Mobberly

Staci said.

are intended to encourage member

members are being stretched to reflect

“The proposed changes in the Bylaws,

involvement in the operations of the

on how their role as a member of the

in particular, are designed to strengthen

church. For this reason, church members

body of Christ applies to the revision of

the accountability of members and

hold the final decision on revisions of

the Bylaws through diving into the Word

leadership,” Staci Martin, Vice Chairwoman

Mobberly’s Bylaws.

of God and seeking His counsel in prayer.

of the Bylaws Task Force, said. “It should

“Our primary goal in proposing updates

Through these prayers and moments

promote a better understanding of the

to the Bylaws is to ensure our church is

of reflection along with attending future

specific responsibilities of church members

operating with best practices for churches

town hall meetings, the church members’

as part of a member-governed church.”

and non-profit organizations,” Brian said.

involvement is key to Mobberly moving

“We also want to ensure fairness and

forward together.

GROUND RULES UPDATING FROM THE GROUND UP By: Rachel Schulik

Alongside the Bible, the updated Church

accountability throughout our operations

Bylaws will guide church leaders and

and governance. In all that we will propose,

membership to make biblically-sound

it is our desire to remain true to the church’s

decisions and model Christ-like actions.

long tradition of member governance.”

MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 2 3

A WORK IN W PROGRESS SEARCHING FOR A NEW PASTOR

ith abundant prayer and God faithfully leading the way, the Pastor Search Committee is walking through the

process of finding Mobberly’s next pastor. Understanding the magnitude of the process, the committee has sought God’s guidance from the beginning of the search.

“We began by first getting to know the members of the Committee, their testimony and their spiritual strengths,” Committee Chairman Lanny Davis explained.

By: Jenna Pace

Each committee member spent intentional time in prayer and God’s Word to spiritually prepare for the search while petitioning church members and staff to support them in their prayers as well.

24 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

“We then began to plan for all of the components that we would need to successfully identify God’s man for Mobberly,” Lanny said.

After seeking counsel on the best course of action to find a pastor equipped to lead Mobberly, the committee decided to hire Vanderbloemen. This third-party firm assists in hiring executive leadership for Christian organizations.

“Vanderbloemen’s role is to provide guidance in preparing all of the information needed to help potential candidates fully understand the DNA of Mobberly and the characteristics we were looking for in our new pastor,” Lanny said. “Additionally, Vanderbloemen thoroughly examines the background of the final candidate being considered for this role.”

Vanderbloemen associates have spent considerable time at Mobberly, attending services and meeting with pastors, ministers and the Committee to assess what qualities and strengths Mobberly’s next pastor needs to possess.

“With these important pieces in place, Vanderbloemen began

Opposite Page: Lanny Davis, Chairman of the Pastor

their search for candidates, and the Committee began preparing

Search Committee, speaks to church membership in

questions for the upcoming interview process and praying for

January of 2021. The committee held a Night of Worship

direction as we made decisions about what we needed to learn

and Prayer with updates about the pastor search process.

from the candidates,” Lanny said. “That preparation included a church-wide survey and visits with members of our church staff to understand their hearts for a shepherd to lead them and our church family.”

Top: Cody Bailey, Vice Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee, shares his experience as a member of the committee. He is one of 12 members.

Bottom: Congregation members bow their heads in

The Committee then began the process of actively interviewing

prayer. The committee led prayer with specific requests

pastor candidates.

for each step of the search process..

“We are seeking God at much deeper levels and in every respect, asking Him to help us remove ourselves from the equation and totally depend on His wisdom,” Lanny said.

The Committee is relying heavily on scriptural guidance for a discerning interview process, leaning on two texts in particular: “This saying is trustworthy: ‘If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.’ An overseer, therefore, must be above MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 2 5

TIMELINE September 2020 Church body commissioned and approved members of the Pastor Search Committee October 2020 • PSC began meeting.

• Focused prayer for wisdom on hiring search firm.

• Contracted Vanderbloemen search firm.

November 2020 • PSC and church staff met with firm to formulate MBC Profile and Senior Pastor job description December 2020 • Senior Pastor profile finalized • PSC and firm actively accepting applications.

• Conducted congregational survey • PSC - time of fasting and prayer Now • Search firm recommendation of top tier potential candidates.

• PSC review candidate recommendations and proceed with first round of interviews.

Future • PSC narrow candidates - interviews/selection • Candidate introduced/preach in view of a call to Mobberly Senior Pastor position • Church-wide vote on candidate • Lord willing, MBC welcomes our new Senior Pastor!

Pastor Search Committe Members (from left to right): Cody Bailey (Vice Chairman), Romel Cawich, Lanny Davis (Chairman), Korinna Duke (Alternate), Mitch Fortner, Eric McCrory, James McLemore (Alternate), Melony Ralph, Reneé Robertson, Chris Scott, Lisa Smith, Greg Martin (Staff Liason)

26 | M O BBE R LY M AG A ZI N E

reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,

Additionally, the Committee is looking for candidates who holds a

respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not an excessive drinker,

Master of Divinity degree and has over ten years of experience in

not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. He must

pastoring, teaching and public speaking.

manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. (If anyone does not know how

Lanny is happy to share that the committee has seen God’s hand

to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s

at work during the search, as they trust His timing and plan.

church?) He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.

“God has helped guide us and brought clarity to us in this

Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders,

process. There was unity from the very beginning when we as a

so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.”

committee unanimously agreed to engage Vanderbloemen.

1 Timothy 3:1-7, CSB “In our meetings, we could see how each member’s knowledge, “The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left

skill set, spiritual walk and individual background has allowed for

undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.

better discussions and deeper understanding of topics. God’s

An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful

timing of the church-wide fast and the first interviews could not

children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion. As an

have been more perfect.”

overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not

He also added that the committee has grown close during the

greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible,

selection process, and their meetings rely on open, honest

righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message

discussions founded on mutual trust of one another.

as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.” Titus 1:5-9, CSB

The Committee is deeply aware of the significance of finding a new pastor for the Mobberly community and entirely confident in

“Our goal is to move forward and allow scripture to shape our

God leading the process.

understanding for the character qualities our new pastor should possess,” Lanny said. “The task to which we have been called is

“We have been praying since the very beginning that God would

an exercise in spiritual discernment and self-control.”

unite our committee in our thoughts, decisions and discussion moving forward,” Lanny said. “We can confidently say that He has

The Committee, in conjunction with church leadership, staff and

unified us in our quest for His man.”

the congregation, has developed several foundational qualities that Mobberly’s future pastor must have. The next pastor must be

He and the Committee want the Mobberly community to be

a man who:

assured; they’re carrying out the actions, but God leads the process.

- Boldly and unashamedly preaches the Word of God “We serve a mighty God with a great plan,” Lanny said. “He is - Fosters a culture of deliberate discipleship

sovereign, and we have faith that He will show us who He wants to be our next pastor.”

- Has the ability to shepherd a staff - Carries himself with humility and integrity - Desires accountability - Casts and communicates vision clearly - Has the ability to pastor a multigenerational church

MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 27

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2 8 | M O B B ERLY M AG A ZI N E

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS? Would you like to know how to

1. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior

receive a new life through Jesus?

Some call Him a myth. Others claim He was a prophet, a wise teacher or a religious radical.

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is God’s own Son who is alive today and offers spiritual life to all who believe in Him.

“…for all have sinned and fall

“…the wages of sin is death,

short of the glory of God.”

but the gift of God is eternal

Romans 3:23

life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The Bible teaches that each of us has willfully rebelled against our Creator. The Bible calls this rebellion sin. God is holy and must judge all sin. However, God loves us each so much that he offered his own sinless son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins.

2. Believe in the Lord Jesus

“What must I do to be saved? They answered, ‘Believe on the

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.’” Acts 16:30b-31

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

Jesus Christ was sent to earth by the Father in the form of a virgin-born baby. He lived a completely sinless life and willingly died on the cross so He could take the punishment that we deserve. The Bible teaches that all who turn away from their sinful lifestyle and place their trust in Him are saved and have eternal life. We cannot earn eternal life – it is a gift of God that we receive by faith.

3. Confess that Jesus is Lord

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 Those who have found new life and purpose in Jesus cannot keep it to themselves; they must tell others! One way that believers show their commitment to the Lord is through baptism. Baptism symbolizes that we’ve been cleansed of our sins and given a new life through Jesus.

MOBBERLY M AG AZ I N E | 2 9

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Marshall, TX 75672 Sunday Worship Gatherings: 9:30 & 11 a.m. // Marshall Worship Center

A student takes notes during a session of Preteen Camp 2020.

Students learned how to build a rock-solid faith even while social distancing.