Officials at West Rome Baptist Church in Rome, Ga., recently asked me to write a press release regarding the calling of its pastor to a new position at a church in Texas and the future of West Rome Baptist. The following is the text from the release.
ROME, Ga....After Pastor Glynn N. Stone, Jr., told his congregation at West Rome Baptist Church Sunday that he had been called to a new post in Texas, Stone and others at WRBC spoke about the bonds created during Stone's six years in Rome and looked toward the future with their eyes set on God's plan.
Stone announced he has accepted the position as senior pastor at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. He, his wife, Angie, and sons Trey and Luke will move to Texas following his last sermon at West Rome Baptist on July 22.
"The bond of Christian love that unites Christians is so strong," Stone said. "I care for West Rome Baptist so much and it cares for us so deeply because of the trials, joy, blessings and struggles which we have gone through together. You can only have this kind of love if you truly have gotten to know each other."
"Without a doubt, I know that God's will for my life and my family is to follow His call to Mobberly Baptist Church," Stone said. "The will of God is the most exciting thing that is possible to ever know."
Ken Oates, WRBC's Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care who has been involved with the church either as a church member or staff member since 1975, said he knows Stone will continue to follow God's lead.
"Glynn and I have worked together for six years and we've had a great relationship in ministry and become really good friends," Oates said. "I know as he steps out in faith into a new chapter in his life, he will give it his best and trust God for his leadership."
While Stone's departure creates a void, those at WRBC have echoed his comments that God's will is the key element in the 114 year-old church's strength.
"It's tough to lose a pastor like Glynn Stone," said Associate Pastor Jarrod Roberts. "It's been a great privilege to serve in his ministry. We will be praying for him and his family, and are looking forward to what God has planned for them in their new place of service.
"God has done great things during his ministry here," Roberts said. "But we know that God has a great future planned for him, and we know that God has great things in store for West Rome Baptist Church.
"West Rome will continue to move forward in trying to reach people for Jesus Christ and to grow God's Kingdom," Roberts continued. "This is a huge opportunity for God to show how powerful He is, and we are looking forward to what He has planned. We will not back up and we will not take time off. We are going to keep on going strong."
Glenn Getchell, past chairman of West Rome Baptist's deacons committee, said Stone has continually challenged the church to share its love for Christ with others, and the church will continue to respond to that challenge.
"Pastor Stone has taken us to new levels and I anticipate only building on his success," Getchell said. "We are poised to now take the next step and have a greater impact on this community through our love for Jesus Christ. I will forever be grateful for the challenge Glynn Stone put before us - that the church is not the building or a location, but the people that make up the Body of Christ, and that the church member's purpose is to be the hands and feet of Christ to a world that does no know or trust in Him no matter where that church member is." The love for Stone and his family and the trust in God's will was made clear by longtime church member Jeanne Bryant.
"We are thankful for God for allowing Glynn and Angie to come to Rome," Bryant said. "We have been blessed by their ministry and friendships, and we're excited for them as they follow God's leadership.
"Our church is not built on ministers, but on God Himself," Bryant continued. "He is still in control of our church and our lives, and we trust Him and thank Him for His mercy, grace and love. We welcome all the new families that have come to West Rome Baptist and invite others to visit and see if this might be where God wants them to serve."
West Rome Baptist Church will begin its search for a new pastor immediately.
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