A Year at First Baptist Manchester

Brady Martin   -  

A little over a year ago I was called to serve as the Lead Pastor of First Baptist Manchester. This past year has been an incredible time for me and my family as we have transitioned to Tennessee. While we haven’t been able to bring ourselves to say “Go Big Orange”, we have fallen in love with Tennessee and the people here at First Baptist. You have made me and my family feel incredibly welcome here.  We look forward to many more years to come.

As I have reflected on this last year as your Lead Pastor, I wanted to provide you with 5 reasons why I’m so encouraged with our church.

  1. First Baptist loves the gospel. The good news of Jesus is central to all that is done here. It’s the driving force in our kids, students, adults, worship, & outreach ministries.
  2. First Baptist loves each other. I have particularly noticed how God has gifted you with the gift of encouragement. I regularly notice members of First Baptist building one another up.
  3. First Baptist loves our community. Whether it is our Oakley Ministry Center, support for Good Samaritan, or the numerous people who show up at local sporting events to support our high school athletes, our members display a deep love for Manchester and Coffee County.
  4. First Baptist is incredibly generous. I have been blown away by your sacrificial giving to our church and to the causes we support.
  5. First Baptist is unified on mission. Unity can never be taken for granted but is essential to truly make a great impact for the kingdom of Christ. I am so proud of how unified our church is around the mission that God has given us to “Make Disciples of Jesus!” Whether at the Jesus Tent, in Guatemala, or in a Connection Groups, the mission is the same!

These are five things I have noticed at First Baptist over the last year that give me great hope for the years to come. It is a great honor and privilege to serve as your Lead Pastor.