Pastor Transition Updates
This page is dedicated to keeping you up to date on the Pastoral Transition at First Baptist Park Street. Revisit this page for updates and subscribe to our weekly newsletter The Tie for notifications during this transition period.
April 27 Update: Interim Teaching Pastor Candidate, Dr. Fitzgerald, was announced to the Church.
Pastor Transition Timeline
May 4 - May 11: Nominations for the Pastoral Search Committee Accepted
May 7, 6pm: Night of Worship, teaching by Interim Teaching Pastor Candidate Dr. Michael Fitzgerald, followed by meet-and-greet opportunity with Dr. Fitzgerald
May 14: Ministry Conference
Interim Teaching Pastor Candidate:
Dr. Michael Fitzgerald
Michael R. Fitzgerald was born and raised in Staunton, VA. He graduated from Wilson Memorial High School (1975); James Madison University with a B.A. degree in Philosophy and Religion (1979); and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity (1982). In 1982, he married the former Gwendolyn Foster, and began as Senior Pastor of Clifford Baptist Church in Amherst County. He earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University in 1988. Mike remained as Pastor of Clifford Baptist Church for 40 years, stepping down to pursue other avenues of ministry in June, 2022. He has served on the Executive Board of the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia, and currently works with SBCV pastors in Church Revitalization. Mike and Gwen have two married children, CariJoy and Gabriel, and four exceptional grandchildren.
VIEW PAST SERMONS, CURRENT TEACHING, AND AN ARTICLE ABOUT DR. FITZGERALD HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pastor Rob leaving?
Pastor Rob has provided the following statement: “In our family, we have been wrestling with how we should serve, love and pray for those closest to us. As many of you know, we are set to become grandparents in just a few weeks. For the past five years we have been wrestling with, if, or when the Lord may call us back to the Midwest to be near family. In that time, we have had multiple opportunities to take pastorates in the St Louis area. Each time we did not feel a freedom to do so. In fact, I can remember telling Susy that every time I thought of pastoring a different church, I felt jealousy for the man who would serve here. But, now, the Lord has opened a different door, one we did not expect or anticipate or see coming. I have been invited to join the executive staff at the Missouri Baptist Convention as the Director of Evangelism and Prayer. This invitation was not something we pursued, but rather, was opened to us in an unexpected way. Ultimately, we have felt the Lord make it clear that this is his next step for us, as I shared with the Leadership Council nearly a month ago. I feel called to use whatever gifts the Lord has entrusted to me to help a state convention refocus its efforts on evangelism and prayer. So, we have accepted that call. ”
When is Pastor Rob’s last day?
Pastor Rob’s last Sunday was April 27.
What are the plans to recognize Pastor Rob and Susan?
Pastor Rob and Susan were recognized at the end of the worship service on Sunday, April 27. Additionally there was a reception held in their honor that afternoon. To view that part of the service, click here.
How and when will a Pastor Search Committee be selected?
Based on the FBC Constitution, the members of FBC are responsible for nominating a Pastor Search Committee (PSC) consisting of 7 members and up to 2 alternates. To that end, the Leadership Council will receive PSC nominations from Sunday, May 4 through Sunday, May 11. Nominations can be submitted online or by a paper form delivered to the Church Office. Once church members have submitted nominations, the Leadership Council will review all nominations and recommend a PSC to the church for a vote.
How long is a typical pastor search process?
A pastor search process usually lasts between 12-18 months.
Will we have an Interim Teaching Pastor and what will he do?
The Leadership Council has selected Dr. Michael Fitzgerald as our Interim Teaching Pastor candidate. He will be presented to the church on Wednesday, May 7 when church members will have an opportunity to meet him at a dessert reception that evening. Additionally, church members will be able to vote for the Interim Teaching Pastor during the Ministry Conference on Wednesday, May 14. The Interim Teaching Pastor will be responsible for preaching on Sundays and for assisting with teaching opportunities, as deemed necessary by the Leadership Council. The Interim Teaching Pastor will not be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the church. Furthermore, the Interim Teaching Pastor will not be a candidate to be the next Senior Pastor.
How will the budget and management of FBC be handled?
FBC will continue to operate within its current organizational structure, being governed by the Leadership Council and led by its current executive committees (e.g. Deacons, Personnel Team, Stewardship Team, and Facility Team). The budget will continue to be managed by the Stewardship Team, who will provide monthly reports to the Leadership
Council.
How will church ministries be impacted?
Pastors Dale and Benji will assume many of FBC’s pastoral tasks (preaching, teaching, leading Discovering FBC, facilitating counseling, etc.) Bill Fulkerson, our Church Administrator, will be working with our communications team to facilitate regular communication to the church through the “Tie” newsletter and Sunday bulletin.
How will the Fournier Renovation Project be impacted?
Future plans for the Fournier Renovation Project are currently being evaluated, though much of the consulting that has already taken place has effectively identified structural improvements needed to our breezeways.
How will the Leadership Council communicate to the church during the search process?
As decisions are made regarding the pastoral transition, the Leadership Council will provide the church with regular updates through the weekly “Tie” newsletter, on the pastoral transition website (fbcps.com/transition), and during Sunday worship service announcements.
