Embracing Change: A New Era for Second Baptist

Today marks a historic moment in the life of Second Baptist Church Baytown, as we stand on the threshold of a new era. Reflecting on nearly 90 years of our church’s journey—from twelve dreamers in a living room to a vibrant, growing congregation—I am filled with gratitude for all God has done and anticipation for what He will do next. My own story is woven into this tapestry: from my early days in ministry, through seasons of uncertainty and burnout, to the privilege of serving as your senior pastor for the past 28 years. Through challenges and changes, God has been faithful, guiding us to embrace new approaches, shared leadership, and a vision that is bigger than any one person.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of transition and succession, not just as a practical necessity, but as a biblical pattern. Scripture is full of stories where God raises up leaders who, in turn, mentor and prepare others to carry the mission forward—Moses and Joshua, David and Solomon, Paul and Timothy, and ultimately, Jesus and His disciples. Healthy transition is not about one person’s legacy, but about stewarding God’s work for future generations. Over the past several years, God has made it clear that it is time for me to step into a new role, supporting and encouraging the next leader, while remaining fully engaged in the life of our church.

This transition has not been rushed or taken lightly. It has involved prayer, discernment, and the wisdom of a transition team made up of church members. I am confident in Jeremy’s calling, character, and gifting to lead Second into its next chapter. My challenge to him is to walk worthy of his calling, to steward the Word and the presence of God, to love his family and this church well, and to lead with humility and sacrifice. My challenge to you, church, is to support, pray for, and encourage him as you have me.

As I step away for a two-month sabbatical, I do so with excitement and peace, trusting that God will continue to move powerfully among us. I look forward to returning and seeing the new faces and changed lives that will be part of our story. The best is yet to come, and I am honored to continue serving alongside you all as we pursue God’s mission together.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Embracing Change and God’s Faithfulness Change is often uncomfortable, but it is a necessary part of God’s unfolding plan. Looking back over decades of ministry, it’s clear that God’s faithfulness is most evident when we step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain. Trusting God through seasons of transition allows us to witness His provision and the growth that comes from obedience. [40:11]
• 2. The Power of Shared Leadership No one is called to lead alone. Recognizing our own limitations and inviting others with different gifts to share in leadership not only strengthens the church but also models the biblical principle of the body of Christ working together. Shared leadership fosters accountability, creativity, and resilience, ensuring that the mission continues beyond any one individual. [44:22]
• 3. Biblical Succession: Mentoring the Next Generation Scripture consistently shows that God’s work is generational. Leaders are called to invest in and raise up others who will carry the mission forward. True succession is not about preserving a legacy, but about empowering others to lead with integrity, vision, and dependence on God, so that His purposes endure. [49:02]
• 4. The Centrality of God’s Word and Personal Integrity Authority and power in ministry come not from position, but from a deep, personal relationship with God through His Word. Leaders must guard their hearts, prioritize their families, and let their private devotion shape their public ministry. Humility, gentleness, and sacrificial love are the marks of Christlike leadership. [57:19]
• 5. The Church’s Role in Supporting New Leadership A healthy transition requires the active support, prayer, and encouragement of the congregation. Just as leaders are called to serve faithfully, the church is called to rally around new leadership, trusting that God is at work and committing to unity and mission. The future of the church depends on a community that listens to God’s voice together and steps forward in faith. [59:16]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Reflecting on 28 Years of Change
• [03:10] - Early Ministry Journey and Challenges
• [08:30] - Coming to Second Baptist Baytown
• [13:20] - Becoming Senior Pastor
• [17:45] - Embracing Change and Growth
• [22:30] - Facing Burnout and Renewal
• [27:50] - The Birth of Shared Leadership
• [32:40] - Strategic Staff Transitions
• [37:15] - The Biblical Pattern of Succession
• [44:22] - Lessons from Ministry Transitions
• [49:02] - Mentoring and Preparing Successors
• [51:30] - The Transition Team and Church Affirmation
• [54:58] - Charge to Jeremy and the Church
• [57:19] - The Call to Christlike Leadership
• [59:16] - Prayer and Blessing for the Future
• [63:25] - Closing and Farewell

Bible Reading

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) — > I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)
> and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

3. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
> Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 4:1-3, what are some of the qualities Paul says should mark the life of someone “walking worthy of the calling”?
2. In the sermon, what biblical examples of leadership transition and succession were mentioned? ([49:02])
3. What did the pastor say was the main source of a leader’s power and authority in ministry? ([56:13])
4. What role did the church’s transition team play in the process of selecting new leadership? ([51:30])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul connect humility, gentleness, and patience with maintaining unity in the church? How might these qualities help during times of transition?
2. The pastor mentioned that “no one is called to lead alone.” What does this suggest about the importance of shared leadership in the church? ([40:11])
3. How does the biblical pattern of mentoring and succession (like Moses/Joshua, Paul/Timothy) challenge the idea of leadership being about one person’s legacy? ([49:02])
4. Why is it important for a leader to prioritize their family and personal relationship with God, especially during seasons of change? ([57:19])

Application Questions

1. The pastor shared about his own struggles with burnout and the need for sabbatical rest. Have you ever experienced a season where you needed to step back and let God renew you? What did that look like, or what might it look like for you? ([35:00])
2. Change can be uncomfortable, but the sermon emphasized that it’s often where God’s faithfulness is most visible. What is one area of your life or faith where you sense God might be calling you to embrace change? How can you trust Him in that? ([40:11])
3. The sermon talked about the power of shared leadership and inviting others with different gifts to serve. Is there a way you could step up to serve or support others in leadership at church or in your community? ([44:22])
4. The pastor challenged Jeremy to “walk worthy of the calling” and to let his private devotion shape his public ministry. What does your private time with God look like right now? Is there a step you want to take to deepen it? ([57:19])
5. The church was encouraged to support, pray for, and encourage new leadership. What is one specific way you can pray for or encourage Jeremy and his family this week? ([59:16])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of mentoring the next generation. Who is someone younger in faith you could invest in or encourage? What’s one step you could take to do that? ([49:02])
7. Proverbs 3:5-6 was quoted as a reminder to trust God and not lean on our own understanding. Is there a decision or situation right now where you need to trust God more fully? What would it look like to acknowledge Him in that area? ([58:13])