Why the FBFI? a young pastor’s perspective
This is a question that I considered for a couple of years before I joined the FBFI. I’m a thirty-year-old assistant pastor, so why did I become an FBFI member? Several factors persuaded me to become a member.
Godly Influences
This might seem like an overly simple answer, but please keep reading to hear my heart on this. I had the chance to attend the FBFI National conference this June. As I listened to each of the main speakers and rubbed shoulders with pastors all week, I was struck by the humble godliness of these men. As our leaders guided us through God’s Word and answered some challenging panel questions, I was able to see how deeply these men walked with the Lord. It was an incredible rebuke to me. It also motivated me to grow deeper in my walk in the Lord.
I genuinely want to know my God in the ways these seasoned pastors and ministers do. I’m glad to be in the FBFI because, as a young pastor, I need to learn from the Godly character and perspective of seasoned ministers. We all stand on the shoulders of others. I’m thankful to stand on theirs.
An Apparatus for the Future
A few years ago, the FBFI board meeting was hosted at our church in Indianapolis. At that meeting, Pastor Kevin Schaal, the president of the FBFI, presented a message to young men on why we should join the FBFI. I still remember one of his key points. He said (and I paraphrase), “Men, someday you’re going to want to partner with like-minded friends in ministry for partnership and encouragement. Rather than create something new, why don’t you use the apparatus we’ve already created for you?”
I was sold. I love connecting with like-minded friends. I’m excited when I see friends actively serving God in ministry. I also agree with the doctrinal stands of my mentors who are leading FBFI members. I want my fellow assistants to join because we need each other. Both now and in the future, we’ll need to have a place for fellowship and discussion. Let’s not dismiss our mentors but use what they’ve built for us to make a difference in our world in the future!
Our Leadership
As I’ve watched closely, my respect for the elected leaders of the FBFI has grown. Our president is a great example with a fresh perspective. I’ve come to respect him greatly from afar. For the 5 years I’ve been in full-time ministry after graduating from seminary, I’ve also had the chance to observe and get to know many other officers and board members along the way. They’re good men. They have a lot to offer and teach. By God’s grace, I’ll continue to learn a lot from them.
I’ve not been involved enough with the FBFI in the past to know all its leaders. But I have watched for the past 5 years or so, and these are trustworthy men.
They Want Us There
Over the past few years, I’ve heard the FBFI’s leadership express their desires for young men to join their ranks. Whether it’s been from the pulpit, workshop sessions, FrontLine Magazine, the Proclaim & Defend blog, or in personal conversations, I’ve heard this expressed numerous times. These men have made me genuinely feel welcome. Not only that, but they’ve even added a couple of guys my age to the board. That’s a great step to take.
So why did I join the FBFI? There are Godly influences that I need to learn from, it’s a place that I want to serve with like-minded friends in the future, I trust the current leadership, and I do believe that they want us there. Those factors might not seem too complex, but these are the things that persuaded me.
Andy Montgomery serves as the Young Adults pastor at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN.