Uvalde, Texas. Here was the horrific scene of a national tragedy last week. Nineteen children and two educators lost their lives to senseless violence at the hands of an eighteen-year-old with a gun who was later killed. Twenty-one victims total. Twenty-one. As I’ve grappled with the reality of yet another mass shooting in our country, I’ve had many emotions ranging from anger to deep sadness. I know I’m not alone, and if you’re feeling the weight of this whole thing, I want you to know that it’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to say that you hurt. It’s ok to feel the desperation in knowing that this is a sign of a growing pandemic of violence that builds in this great nation that we call home. It’s ok as Christians to cry out to God and ask for wisdom on what can be done.
I believe that last statement is key, for it offers a different way moving forward. We all know the partisan lines that typify the aftermath of mass shootings. Polarized and in complete contradiction, they create a logger jam. I can sum it up in the following three statements: More Guns. No Guns. Guns but with more control. Entrenched in enemy camps these postures offer no way forward but conformity to their own logic. Their inflexibility leaves a national conscience held hostage long enough for it to be desensitized to the tragedy and then forgetful that it ever happened…the vicious cycle left only to repeat itself again in due time. Only when it does, it will be with further resignation by those who once hoped for something better. Maybe so much so that hope is swallowed up by false paradigms of “That’s just the way things are around here.” God help us if that ever becomes true.
I want you to know that I’m not writing you as a Democrat or Republican, pro guns, anti-guns, or gun control. That’s just not me, and it never will be. I’m writing you today as a fellow believer in The Risen Savior in Jesus Christ who proclaimed that He can make all things new…even cultural debates that are leading us nowhere but the replication of a hopeless future. Church, it’s time that we had a heart check. Do the cultural and political temperaments of our day guide how we deal with issues like this? Or does Jesus lead the Church which then informs the culture on how it should proceed? One is certainly better than the other because only one can ever make it “on earth as it is in heaven.” God knows that we need a little heaven on earth right now, and its within His divine will to make it so. It’s just that until Christ comes again, the Church is the actual representation of Christ’s power. How are we doing with that task? This question is vitally important as we approach Pentecost Sunday on June 5th.
Pentecost Sunday proclaims that there’s a power that every Jesus follower possesses that can enact justice and mercy here on earth which are worthy of our Heavenly Father. A power, that when unleashed, our church…First Baptist Church can do something brave and new that informs culture of a better way forward. Whatever the cultural hot button is (gun violence, abortion, mental illness, etc), the same power that rose Jesus from the dead can work through us to be a source of hope and help. I’m not asking that anyone fully understand the power of the Holy Spirit…that’s an impossible task. I only ask that that we know that such a power is a gift to us to be used by us for great good, and when that happens, we feel fully alive. If you believe that…if you want to believe that…even if you don’t know but might believe that, I ask you to be at church Sunday morning for Bible study and worship. God’s got something special to say to you, me, and whoever else we invite to come along. It’s about His power that He wants us to fully use here just like places such as Carrollton, Georgia or Uvalde, Texas. Will you be there? I sure hope so.
I love you, and I’m so blessed to be your pastor. The best is still and always yet to come.
Sincerely,
Pastor David
With the unanimous approval of our search committee, personnel committee, and the full support of our deacon body, I want to introduce to you our candidate for the position of Associate Pastor of Music and Worship in Rev. Tyler Ingram. Tyler serves currently as the Associate Minister of Music at Hayes Barton Baptist Church of Raleigh, N.C. In his time at Hayes Barton, Tyler has had opportunity to learn the full gamut of music ministry and how to lead with excellence. Our search committee was struck by the unique combination of Rev. Ingram’s passion for Christ and the Church and his abilities as a musician. His musical training occurred at University of North Carolina Greensboro where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Education with a concentration in Instrumental Music Performance. His theological training occurred at Campbell Divinity School in Buies Creek, North Carolina where he received a Masters of Divinity. You can see the full resume for Rev. Ingram here.
Tyler met his amazing wife Ashley at a young age and the two began dating in high school. Ashley is a University of North Carolina Chapel Hill graduate and currently works within the health insurance industry. The two of them welcomed their son, Brooks, a little over a year ago. They also have a fur baby in their golden retriever named Marshall.
We vetted all of Tyler’s references and were further impressed that he is a minister of calling and conviction. Here are a few things that people said about Tyler when asked:
“I’m thrilled to offer Rev. Tyler Ingram my full endorsement as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church Carrollton. Tyler is poised for great ministry because of his unique giftedness and heart for people. I know you will be blessed through his ministry among you.” – Aaron Jackson Pastor of Worship and Arts Christ Baptist Church, Raleigh N.C.
"Rev. Tyler Ingram is an uncommonly talented minister, musician and director who authentically embodies the joy, compassion and humility of Jesus Christ. My family has been immeasurably blessed by Tyler’s gifts and ministry!” — Rev. Ward Page, Associate Pastor of Students & Families at Hayes Barton Baptist Church
“Tyler is a gifted musician, a supporter of Baptist women in ministry, and a servant leader you want on your team.” – Dr. Lynn Brinkley, Associate Director, Baptist Women in Ministry; Former professor at Campbell University Divinity School
“Tyler’s heart for worship and servant spirit magnify his incredible gifts and passion for ministry.” – Dr. Larry Dickens, Minister of Music, Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC; Former professor at Campbell University Divinity School
You will all have a chance to meet Tyler and Ashley during Sunday morning of the official call weekend on June 10 – 12. Tyler will lead our hymns, conduct the choir, share a testimony, and offer special music with the French horn. Please make plans to attend in person. At the conclusion of 11 a.m. worship, we will have a called church in conference at which time we will vote on Tyler as our next Associate Pastor of Music and Worship. If you cannot attend, but would like to vote via absentee ballot, you can do so at the church office during regular office hours. They are Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. until close of office at Friday, June 9th.
I, along with the search team, am tremendously excited for the future of First Baptist Church Carrollton and specifically our music ministry. We invite you to celebrate with us all that God is doing in our midst!
Lastly, I want to say a special word of thanks to the chair of our search committee, Mr. Chuck Jindrich. Chuck has done exceptional work in keeping us moving in the right direction. His positivity and encouragement were key to our success and a blessing to his pastor.
Sincerely,
Pastor David
Tyler, Ashley, and Brooks (and dog, Marshall) Ingram
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