First Baptist Church of Reinbeck called John Mathew to be their pastor this past February 4th and he accepted that call on February 18th. Pastor Mathew had been providing pulpit supply for the church since the previous fall. For a while, Pastor Mathew and his family (his wife, Anna, and his daughters, Grace and Joy) traveled back and forth to Reinbeck while Pastor Mathew completed his obligations at FBBC, where he had been employed in the dining services and bookstore, until they were able to be fully settled in their new community beginning Easter Sunday.

Pastor Mathew graduated from FBBC with a BA in 2011 and then completed his MDIV at FBTS in 2016, interning at Altoona Regular Baptist Church and Orangeville Baptist Church (MI). Prior to their ministry in Reinbeck, the Mathews served the Lord in music and children’s ministries at Altoona Regular Baptist Church.

Congratulations to Pastor Mathew, his family, and First Baptist Church of Reinbeck!

 

I am Pastor Steve Picray and this is my family. We are excited to move to Adel in June when I will become the pastor of the Rapids Street Baptist Church. We have been been living in the Indianapolis, Indiana area for the past 13 years and we are so thankful that God has given us the opportunity to minister to the people of Adel and the surrounding area. I am originally from the Des Moines area, and I graduated high school in Russell, Iowa. I then went to Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary in Ankeny, Iowa where I graduated in 1997 and 2000. My wife Kim is originally from Hobart, Indiana where she lived until we met at Faith and got married in 1995. We have three children: Nathan, who lives in Ankeny, Stephanie, who just graduated from high school and will be attending Bob Jones University to pursue a degree in Studio Art this fall, and our youngest daughter Becky who will be starting ninth grade this fall. We trust that God is directing our steps as we worship and serve Him, and we encourage you to come and join us and our new church family!

On April 14^th, First Baptist Church of Farmington called an ordination council to examine Pastor Welch. The ordination council was moderated by Pastor Roger Hemmings from North Court Baptist Church in Ottumwa, with Pastor Matt Froah serving as secretary. Thirteen ministers from around the State joined the council (Matt Reno, Mike Hess, Bruce Thompson, Jake Saylor, Aaron Helterbran, John Brown, Barry Farlow, Andrew Counterman, Tim Capon, Simeon Counterman, Gordon Katsion, Earl Swigart, and Daniel Vance) to ask 120 question over the course of 3 hours. The council commended Pastor Welch for his humility and ability to answer the questions with confidence. The church was commended for standing behind their pastor and thanked for the meal that was provided.

The church proceeded to act upon the Council’s recommendation in an afternoon ordination service. Pastor Roger Hemmings read the council’s recommendation to the church body. Bill Vance, a deacon at First Baptist, lead the meeting to officially ordain Pastor Welch. The service proceeded with a charge to the church and Pastor Welch from Pastor Bruce Thompson of Berean Baptist Church, Pella Iowa. The charge focused on 2 Timothy and the need to preach the Word. Reverend Tim Capon, the Iowa State Representative, called for the laying on of hands and led in prayer. The service was a tremendous blessing and encouragement to First Baptist, Pastor Welch and his family, and to all that were in attendance. Praise God for His blessing, His calling, and His church.

 

Congratulations to Pastor Jeriah Shank and Slater Baptist Church on Jeriah’s recent call to become their new senior pastor!  After two and a half years without a pastor, Slater extended a call to Pastor Shank on April 22nd. Pastor Shank will conclude his ministry at First Baptist of Monroe on June 3rd and begin his new ministry at Slater Baptist on July 8. Please pray for First Baptist Monroe as they begin the process of seeking a new pastor.