Pastor Search Committee Update #12

The Pastor Search Committee (PSC) met on Sunday afternoon, Nov 30^th.  

We discussed in depth the candidates. We had committed to spend the prior week in prayer for the candidates and that God would reveal His choice to each of us. After prayer, we voted and decided God was leading us to call Pastor Preston Long. Here is a brief summary of our reasons for selecting Pastor Preston:

1. Undeniable spiritual transformation and deep, authentic love for Jesus that is contagious and Spirit-led.
2. Proven evangelistic gift—he reaches people others can’t, both locally (sports outreach) and globally (mission trips).
3. Exceptional heart for youth and families; already a trusted shepherd to our kids and teens.
4. Clear, Gospel-centered preaching that builds up believers and calls them to look more like Jesus.
5. Well-educated (Master’s degree) and has shown maturity and wisdom, especially in the last 6–8 months of added responsibility.
6. Already knows and dearly loves our church and community; has built strong, genuine relationships across all ages.
7. Connects easily and naturally with everyone—no pretense, just a pastor’s heart for people.
8. Overwhelming unity and affirmation from the congregation, leadership, and staff that this is God’s man for this season.

Preston is already one of us, already loved, already proven, and already called. We joyfully recommend him as our next Senior Pastor with full confidence in what God will continue to do in and through him.

In following our process, the PSC made a formal recommendation to the Deacon Board on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7^th. The Deacon Board accepted the recommendation of the PSC. This will most likely be the last update from the PSC.

Deacon Meeting update (initially shared by Vice Chairman, Ron Zimmerly)

The Deacon’s met on Sunday afternoon for the regularly scheduled deacon meeting. One item of business was the recommendation from the PSC to bring Pastor Preston Long before the church to take over the Senior Pastor position at FBC – LaBelle. The Deacons approved the recommendation of the PSC and have decided to ask the members to vote regarding this recommendation at the end of the early service and at the end of the second church service on Sunday, Dec 21^st. Votes will be tabulated after the second service by the deacons and results will be announced at the Dec 28^th services. 

God is in control and He continues to lead and guide. We encourage everyone to pray for Pastor Preston and our church in the upcoming weeks and months.