This past Sunday's celebration of FBC's 175th Anniversary was really a great day! It was exciting to see so many people studying the Word together, enjoying each other's company at the meal, brimming with excitement as we toured the construction sites, and remembering great moments as we looked back at our history through pictures in the Applegate foyer. Thank you to the committee and so many others who really made this a memorable day. One special group who did a tremendous job was the Fellowship Committee. These wonderful people provided meals each night throughout the Summer Study, and then managed to get so many people through a food line with minimal wait on such a big day as Sunday. Thank you!
Click here to view pictures from Sunday
This Sunday, two additional exciting things are happening. First of all, during both morning worship services, we will vote to extend a call to Neil and Amanda Tullos as FBC's next youth minister. In this week's edition of First Words, there is a special FAQs about Neil and Amanda to help you get to know them a little better.
FAQs
1. How was the search conducted?
A committee was elected by the church to look for God’s direction. We began with prayer and by hearing God speak through the church. The members talked to many of you to ask what you felt were important characteristics of a youth minister. I met with the upcoming seniors to solicit their input as well. As we prayed for God to show us His man, we needed to know how that was defined. In addition, I contacted youth ministers and youth leaders from around the state and region to get recommendations.
2. Who is Neil Tullos?
Neil is a native of Clinton, MS, graduating from Clinton High School, Mississippi College, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He grew up in Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton and felt a call to ministry while a teenager. He began serving in youth ministry as a youth intern at Parkway in 1999. He is almost 35 years old.
3. What about experience?
Neil has incredible experience having served youth ministries of all different sizes. He has served at Beulah Memorial Baptist Church in Bolton (where he also did Sr. Adults), went back to Parkway as the Student Pastor, served as an Associate Student Pastor at FBC Jackson, and now at Grace City Church in Jackson, which is a church plant from FBC.
4. Who is Neil’s wife, Amanda?
Amanda grew up around Flora, MS, and graduated from Central Hinds Academy and Mississippi College. She taught elementary school for 8 years prior to becoming the Assistant Principal at Clinton Park Elementary School.
5. What is it about Neil and Amanda that leads you to believe they are the ones God has chosen for FBC?
Simply put, they are a remarkable fit to the characteristics we were looking for in a youth minister and wife. They are very mature, seasoned, Biblically-solid, and relational.
6. What do other youth ministers and leaders say about Neil?
The following are some direct quotes:
“My all-time favorite.”
“Excellent with parents.”
“The top of the food chain of youth ministers.”
“Sensational skills.”
“Great teacher.”
“Large church experience and experience of leading youth from multiple schools.”
“Hire him immediately.”
Hopefully, this gives you a little glimpse of Neil and Amanda Tullos. We are very excited about how God has led us in this search and can’t wait for you to meet them for yourselves.
Secondly, we will have an opportunity to serve our community together by hosting Neighborhood Parties at Parkside, College Station, and Polos apartments. These apartments are places where many international students live. This gives us an opportunity to show the love of Christ to them and be a blessing to their families. These events are for the entire family. Please bring your children to get to know and to help serve other children in our community. I can't wait to serve with you this Sunday evening.
For more information please reference the Missions Ministry section of First Words.
Thank you for allowing us to stand among you in the forest of trees that makes up FBC Starkville.
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