THE PROCESS

The strategic planning process, entitled FBC Ignite, began in May 2023 with the active deacon body approving an eight-person committee, within church membership. This committee was asked to guide First Baptist Church Carrollton through a process of, prayerfully and thoughtfully, answering the question – What does God desire for the future of our church?

The committee appointed to lead in the addressing of this powerful question included: Mark Albertus, David Brooks (co-chair), Brian Dill, Melina Douthit, Nichole Fannin, David Hughes (cochair, Pastor) Jim Prather, and Suzane Wynn (ex-officio Deacon). Assisting through consultation was Dr. Matt Cook, with Center for Healthy Churches.

Following a series of training and planning meetings with the appointed committee. The congregation engaged in an intentional and prayer-filled discovery period.

The incredible engagement and response from the congregation of First Baptist Church through this process has directed our planning to three key areas for focus: Worship, Youth and Children, and Thriving Community.

The Plan: Intention and Focus

Worship

Worship is a time where people can be inspired and experience the heart of First Baptist Church. Our rich history of traditional worship continues to evolve inviting our community to enter our sanctuary, and through their worship experience come to know that Jesus Christ is Lord.

First Baptist seeks to provide a worship experience that is reverent, relevant, and joyful, creating a welcoming and sought after environment for both current and future members.

Youth and Children

The engagement and energy of youth and children at First Baptist Church Carrollton are key indicators of the current and future relevance of our church. When the youth and children, along with their families are connected and thriving- so are we.

First Baptist Church seeks a vibrant youth and children ministry that is inviting and meaningful to youth, children, and their families. Facilitated by passionate and prepared ministers, as well as a committed network of congregational volunteers, we will invest in our youth and children by offering engaging and innovative programming that enhances biblical understanding and nurtures the joy and fellowship that is a critical part of youth, children, and family ministry.

Thriving Community

Our church’s community is founded upon consistent engagement and shared experiences that foster spiritual growth through Bible study, fellowship, and service to others. In as much as people connect through the various engagement and educational opportunities, it is the hope of First Baptist Church Carrollton, that everyone is given the chance to experience a strong sense of belonging within our church community.

First Baptist Church seeks to provide vibrant opportunities that foster a thriving community inside and outside of the church through Bible study, worship, mission, service, fellowship, fun, and in simply doing life together. These times of community connection occur at traditional and nontraditional times, at varied locations to enhance accessibility and visibility, and cultivate a feeling of belonging that will inspire participation among our church members and the community at large.

The Plan: Intention and Focus

The above outlined strategic plan is bold and will be sure to make an impact at First Baptist Church Carrollton, the community, and our world. Now the focus shifts to the important work of taking the plan and creating action.

This strategic plan will now move to the leadership of three, yet to be named implementation teams for activation – one implementation team per focus area led by our ministerial team. The implementation process, like that of the discovery and planning process, will be prayerful, purposeful, and require the support and participation of the congregation.

Initiatives will be launched carefully, with necessary learning and preparation. The full implementation will be a process of years, not months – focusing on the outcomes for the calling, life, and ministry of First Baptist Church Carrollton. Our church will experience progress slowly but surely.

In time, we will watch as our church continues to become the fulfillment of God’s calling, expressed through the creation of this strategic plan. Countless lives will be changed- our current church members and others who are not here now- but soon will be!

Dr. David Hughes

Senior Pastor

Dr. David Hughes accepted the call to the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Carrollton in January 2022. David’s formation is in thanks to many fine schools, employers, churches, and his family. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Furman University (2005), a Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary (2018) and a Doctor of Ministry at McAfee School of Theology in Church Leadership and Administration (2023). Before accepting the call to ministry in 2011, David worked for six years for non-profits in Greenville, South Carolina and Patagonia, Chile. Previously, he served as the minister to students at First Baptist Church of Augusta (2018 – 2021) and Easley First Baptist Church (2011 – 2018). Married to Rebecca in 2006, David’s amazing wife is a constant source of love, encouragement, and partnership in the ministry. The two of them welcomed their daughter Maggie in 2012 and now watch with amazement as their precious daughter continues to grow and develop. David believes firmly that The Church is a place of invitation for all where lives can be transformed by The Gospel of Jesus Christ. His passion is to create vision and lead God’s people to express the love of Christ in the world.