Changes Ahead

I love Manley Baptist Church. Those who gathered there each week need Manley Baptist Church. Morristown needs Manley. There are ministries spread across the country who need Manley. There are group of people in a closed country of Southeast Asia who need Manley. I love Manley Baptist Church. I love her because as best she can she is trying uphold what the Apostle Paul challenged her to do in becoming all things to all people who need her. More than that, I love Manley Baptist Church because she is faithful to her Lord, Jesus Christ, His Word, and His Gospel. I really don’t think I can say it enough…I love Manley Baptist Church.

But seasons of life change for all of us. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s almost always inevitable. But with change comes excitement of seeing new and refreshing doors of opportunity that God opens for us.

So it is with both excitement and sadness that I have announced my resignation at Manley. I say this with excitement because God has clearly opened a door of ministry that Aimee and I cannot refuse to obey to walk through. I say this with sadness because Manley has become our family. Over the past three and half year Manley has welcomed us with open arms and loved on us with open hearts. They have been gracious with us in whatever mistakes we have made along the way. They gently offered words of wisdom and encouragement at just the right time. If it weren’t for Manley Baptist Church we would not be equipped for the next task that God has for us. We will forever stand upon Manley’s shoulders and the investment they’ve made in us.

We have accepted the call to serve as the Franklin Campus Pastor of Biltmore Baptist Church in Asheville, N.C. You can see more information about Franklin and Biltmore here: www.biltmorebaptist.org/franklin. We look forward to working alongside Dr. Bruce Frank and the incredible team at Biltmore.

Let me also say that I have been so grateful for the opportunity to develop as a preacher during my time at Manley. Aimee and have literally wept at times at the graciousness of Dr. Emmert to share his pulpit with me the way that he has. Again, I am eternally grateful and only hope that one day I can have an opportunity to pour into a young pastor the way Dr. Emmert has poured into me.

I know with absolute conviction and assurance that this position at Biltmore is the next step in ministry for Aimee and me, and that we are in the center of God’s will for our lives. Again, we love Manley, and as we leave, we will continue to lift the Pastor Search Committee to the Lord, knowing that God wants to lead them to the Pastor He is preparing to serve this great church.

Thank you for your prayers. God bless each one of you,
Patrick