“Welcome aboard.” These are words Randy Deering says often in his role as a charter boat captain. This week we extend that greeting to him as Randy begins his new work at FBC as Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Group Development. It’s a long title, but a job he is perfectly suited for and an area in which his gifts will bear much fruit. He is a fine minister, artist, author, and sailor, all talents that reflects the depth, vision, and bent toward action that will serve us well together.
Dr. Deering is a veteran minister with degrees from both Southwestern and Golden Gate Baptist Seminaries. A Californian, he made his chops in student ministry at The University of Southern California. Over the years he has led resort ministries through Lifeway and served on church staffs, including this one for a season in the early 2000’s. It’s good to have him back in tow and leading an area of ministry that we are committed to grow and develop.
As I have gotten to know Randy, it has been uncanny the number of mutual friends and people of impact that have shaped our lives and ministries. We also share a heart, ministry, philosophy, and the conviction that God is preparing to do great things with and through FBC St. Pete. He brings a personality and skill set to the ministry team that complements mine and will prove helpful in structuring and advancing our ministry strategies.
We both strongly believe that engagement at the group level is a key to the maturity and vitality of the church and its people. Of Warren’s five purposes of the church, four are uniquely housed and fostered in fellowship and ministry groups that both make disciples and make a difference. You will hear a lot from and about Randy in the days ahead. The friendship and now working relationship we have forged is further evidence to me of God’s providential hand bringing together the right folks to lead us being the church God envisions in this place. I am looking forward to the impact he will have on our church and the relationships we will enjoy along the way.
Again, “Welcome aboard, Randy.” And we welcome the journey and the destinations ahead as we grow closer to God, each other, and the people who will be impacted by our ministry together.
Glen