BAKER — New pastor Jim Vail plans to strengthen First Baptist Church of Baker's congregation in their faith and reach out to area residents in spiritual need.
"My goal right now is to build (church members) up spiritually … to where they are (spiritually) strong and they can disciple to new believers," he said.
That's crucial, given the country's state of faith, Vail said.
"Our nation is in trouble," he said. "You can't talk about Jesus Christ in public without offending someone. When times get really bad, I want our people to remain faithful in Jesus Christ."
Vail, who became the church's full-time pastor in August, said community outreach is key.
"We will go to different homes in the community and introduce ourselves to people and ask them if they have any prayer requests…," he said.
Vail and long-time church member Sam Brunson, who recently became a deacon, said the church is not looking to "steal" members from nearby churches.
Rather, "We want to encourage others to be faithful to their church," Vail said.
"We want to reach people who don't know the lord and lead them to Christ."
WANT TO G0?
WHAT: First Baptist Church of Baker schedule
WHEN: Sunday school services at 9:15 a.m. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Discipleship training at 5 p.m. Wednesday night prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: 1347 14th St., Baker
New pastor hopes community outreach can help 'nation in trouble'
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New pastor hopes community outreach can help 'nation in trouble'