Letters from David – A Look Back and a Look Forward

Happy New Year! Rarely have I been so glad to bid a year farewell. 2020 was quite a journey. And most of us would agree, we are more than ready to move forward and hope with all our hearts and fervent prayers that 2021 is better.

But before we leave, let’s pause for a moment and remember. In fact, even the name of this month calls us to recall what has been more deeply.

In Roman times, January was a month represented by the Roman god Janus. He was two-faced, literally, with one facing forward, the other facing backward to: evaluate the past; anticipate the future.

So let’s reflect for a moment.

In February of 2020, we were kicked out of the Atlanta Metro Baptist Association because we have ordained LGBTQ+ deacons, we support same-sex marriage, and we support LGBTQ+ rights as human rights. A number of media organizations and TV stations picked up on our story, were very supportive, and gave us tremendous coverage.

I received letters, emails, and correspondence from all over the country offering us support and sharing deep appreciation for our stand.

In March as the pandemic began, our ministers quickly facilitated an entirely new worship plan and style along with initiating a digital format that has received a great deal of affirmation. We have continued to innovate, attempting to improve our quality and meaning for each online worship experience, Bible Study, and devotional presentations.

I am so grateful to be a part of such a talented, committed ministry team; and we are all so thankful for so many of you. You have been flexible, supportive, helpful in your feedback, positive in your suggestions, and loving in your critiques.

In May, we led our community in an area clergy response to racial justice. We facilitated a joint statement and on anti-racism that became widely publicized and ultimately featured on Channel 11 Alive. Also, working with our Chief of Police and our own Randall Hampton (a former Black Panther in Chicago), I facilitated an interview between the two of them that is still being used today on the Decatur Police web site as an example of Police and community partnership.

In July, on the day of Congressman John Lewis’ funeral, we rang our carillon 80 times for every year of his life. Numerous members of the community shared their deep appreciation with us for that meaningful act.

In September, we led our community in a simultaneous ringing of all the church bells in Decatur 200 times, once for every one thousand deaths to COVID-19. Over fifteen congregations joined us in this commemoration as well as Agnes Scott College, the Mayor’s Office, and our Decatur Police. Our front lawn also became a gathering spot for not only our own people that Sunday afternoon, but also members of other faith groups including Bahai’, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh.

In September, our merger with Scott Boulevard Baptist Church became official, and we were blessed to have 45 new friends and fellow followers of Jesus become a part of our church family.

Also in September and in October, we were pleased to ordain two new ministers of the Gospel: Byron Bell and Aaron McGinnis. (We have also been thrilled to support two more young ministers in the process, both of whom are scheduled now to go before their respective ordination councils in January and February. They are our own Pastor for Youth and Families, Kelsey Lewis Vincent, and one of our newest members, Eric McDonald.)

And in September, we welcomed Rev. Mark Green, our newest staff member, as Pastor for Senior Adults and Youth and Children’s Music. Already, Mark has had a profound impact on our church ministries, including the amazing contribution of his fantastic youth choir sharing their beautiful voices in our Christmas music on Sunday, Decem- ber 20th.

In October, we were informed that our church would be featured in a major documentary entitled The Antidote. We were treated to a special screening just for us in November, and in December The Antidote became officially available on Amazon Prime. It was highlighted through lengthy and well-received interviews on CNN and MSNBC.

These are just a very few of the highlights.

So while 2020 was a truly strange and not very positive year for most of the world, FBCD has been at the forefront of numerous highly significant events. We have been so honored, and we have much to be thankful for in spite of COVID-19!

Looking forward: We all hope and pray for better health and happier days as the pandemic abates. Let us also anticipate many more positive ways our congregation can impact our community and our world. Let us prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits for God’s movement among us in 2021; and let us plan to be available as our Lord needs us!

With love and much gratitude,

David