This morning I announced my resignation as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Christ and his church here, and for the people and friendships who have blessed my life. Following is what I shared with the church today.

June 23, 2019

Dear First Baptist Church Family,

The past five years have gone by in a flash. It seems like yesterday I arrived for my first day and found boxes of my books stacked where I couldn’t get in my office, the work of Pastors Dustin, Roger, and Stan. I knew then that ministry here would be an adventure. And so, it has been. At times it’s felt like a roller coaster. But God has been good, as he always is.

In fact, the church is doing very well. We are financially positioned for a new youth facility and to expand missions. Worship attendance has been on the increase. But more importantly, the church is growing deeper together in Christ. People are engaged in worship and I’ve been encouraged by small group participation involving every age group of the church. And I’ve seen people talking to one another who didn’t five years go. The church appears ready to follow Christ wherever he leads.

So, this Spring, I began to prayerfully consider our future. But strangely, I could not wrap my mind around it. I could not see beyond the moment. Everything is so very good, yet I was struggling.

Two and a half or so years ago, in the midst of some difficulties we were facing, I visited with a semi-retired pastor who works part time for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. He has been involved in helping churches with intentional interim ministry.

When I told him all that I was doing at First Baptist after following a long-term pastor and a period of difficulty after his departure, he said I was doing the work of an intentional interim—reviewing every area of church life, putting policies and practices into place for the future, dealing with past issues, making changes for the good of the church’s future, and trying to unify people around Christ and his future for the church. But intentional interims don’t stay for the long haul. I was determined to be the exception to that rule.

But by the time I left for the Philippines in May of this year, I knew my assignment here was done.

The question became when and how to leave. One option was to stay and quietly seek out a church to serve. But plans are under way to build a new youth center, Pastor Dustin is scheduled to move to Missouri in January, and a search is ready to begin for a new youth pastor. So, if I quietly sought out a church, my departure would likely be in the midst of all these changes. And Cindy and I could not do that to the church.

The other option was to leave this summer so you can know now what’s going on. So, earlier this month, I began seeking counsel from Deacon Chairman Greg Matthews, Deacon Bruce Maloch, and our pastoral team. Originally, the plan was that I would stay through July. But when we considered the imminent church decisions regarding facilities, staffing, and missions that need addressing in July and the summer schedule, it became apparent that now is the time.

Therefore, I am resigning as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Magnolia, Arkansas effective next Sunday, June 30. We will finalize our move from Magnolia at the end of July.

I will visit with our pastors and deacons this afternoon at 4. And then at 6, they will talk with you about what happens next and any decisions the church needs to make now. But you need to know this, there is solid pastoral and lay leadership in place for this moment. Pray for them.

Cindy and I ask for your prayers as I step aside. We do not know where we will serve next. While I have talked with friends and contacts, my focus has been on how we leave here. Our immediate plan is for some rest while trusting and waiting on God for our next assignment. We have a little money put back for a little while and we are confident in our big God to provide and lead us to our next place of service.

Next Sunday morning I plan to share some personal thoughts and a final exhortation as your pastor. But let me say now how thankful I am to be able to resign with nothing but love in my heart for this church. By God’s grace, we have not only endured struggles along the way, we stand here today strong in the love of Christ and in the love of one another. I love you deeply and will ever be thankful for how God has shaped my ministry and life for the better by his grace through my years here with you. Friends, you are ready to follow Christ in greater ministry for the Gospel. And he has the man ready to lead you.

For the Gospel,
Brent Summerhill