Congregation Profile 2021

South Main Baptist Church Pasadena

South Main Baptist Church 4300 East Sam Houston Parkway South Pasadena, TX 77505 281-487-8200 www.southmain.org 2

Table of Contents A Time for Discernment……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….……………………………………..4 Our History………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………….…………………………………...7 Our Identity……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………...12 Our Baptist Heritage………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………...16 Our Promise……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………...18 Our Reach…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………….……………...20 Community………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21 Membership……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..24 Giving………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..26 Open Doors……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28 Our Structure…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 29 Ministry Leadership Team………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...30 Ministry Support Team………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....34 Building Support Team………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....34 Food Ministry Team………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….34 Deacon Ministry Team……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...35 Church Business………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..35 Finance Team…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...36 Budget Team…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....36 Support Teams………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….37 Our Ministries………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...38 Worship…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….39 Bible Studies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..40 Music Ministry………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....41 Pre-School and Children’s Ministry…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...42 Student Ministry……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....43 College Ministry………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..43 Adult Ministry………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 43 Family Ministry………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….44 Outreach Ministries…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..45 Our Missions………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 46 Our Path Forward…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...49 External and Internal Focus…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .53 Traditional and Innovation/Creative………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….53 Lay Leadership vs. Clergy Leadership………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...54 Attractional vs. Missional…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..54 Our Prayer……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….56 Our Transition Advisory Team…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………58 3

Our Time for Discernment 4

The wise writer of Ecclesiastes declared, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) It is a rare season of transition for South Main Baptist Church-Pasadena, one that God ordained in the life of our church. Chartered almost seven decades ago, this year marks only the second time in the congregation’s history that it faces a change in full-time, pastoral leadership. Dr. B. J. Martin, our first pastor, served South Main faithfully for 26 years beginning in 1955, assuming his leadership role shortly after the church’s founding. When he retires on September 1, 2021, Dr. Ron Lyles will have led South Main as its senior pastor for 40 years. Indeed, this is a rare season of change. As we enter this new day, we express our gratitude for the ministry of Dr. Lyles, his wife, Brenda, and their family. They hold a cherished place in our hearts and in our community. We delight in their decision to stay in our community and congregation after retirement. By announcing his retirement and beginning a designed transition process, Dr. Lyles gave our congregation the gift of time...time to celebrate his ministry with us and time to prepare for the coming change. Dr. Lyles organized a Transition Advisory Group (TAG) of trusted church leadership in the fall of 2019, sharing his decision to retire in 2021 after 40 years of service to God and in partnership with the people of South Main. Though the Covid-19 pandemic slowed the preparatory work of the TAG, the effort began in earnest after Dr. Lyles announced his retirement plans to the entire church in December 2020. The TAG contracted with Bill Wilson and the Center for Healthy Churches to establish the process by which the TAG would assist the church in successfully navigating the transition process. The Center for Healthy Churches, based in North Carolina, has a strong track record of helping churches design a path forward through pastoral leadership transitions that tap into the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the local wisdom and expertise of a congregation. With the help of Dr. Wilson, the TAG conducted a series of three, church-wide Congregational Conversations that focused on our past, our present and our future as a church. Through this period of self-reflection, as- sessment, discernment and study, church members shared their thoughts about who we are today, what we believe and who we think God needs us to be in the decades to come. Additionally, during these conversations our members shared what made South Main their church family. We identified key traits that make South Main a special place in our hearts and in our community. Through the discern- ment process, we identified our ministry priori- ties as God continues to give us opportunities to be his heart and hands among our fellow- ship, throughout our community and across our broad mission field. Finally, we shared our desires about the kind of pastor we need at South Main in the years to come to lead us where God wishes us to go. 5

From the moment we knew of the transition, we have bathed our church and our process in prayer, trusting God to lead us through relatively uncharted waters. As a congregation, our appreciation and gratitude for the legacy of our two pastors and for all God has done for this church and community in the past grows deeper with each moment of reflection. There is a time for everything. We are excited to be in this season of transition. We eagerly anticipate what the Lord will do within our hearts, within our church and within our community in the years to come. 6

Our History 7

When Pasadena was founded in the 1890s east of Houston, it was a small community surrounded by small farms and ranches. It did not take long for the people living here to recognize their need for churches to serve a growing community. Baptists began their witness in Pasadena by building a place for worship and fel- lowship in 1902 at the intersection of Main and Broadway, just south of the community’s small downtown area. For four decades, First Baptist Church grew slowly as Pasadena grew slowly. Things changed at the start of World War II. During the war years, Pasadena became the center of the area’s booming petrochemical industry. As production ramped up during and after the war years, Pasadena’s population grew with it. Within a decade, the farms and ranches all but disappeared, replaced by refineries, chemical plants and a host of small businesses to support local industry and its growing population. The population boom of the 1950s created a demanding need for new schools and churches, both serving as the heart and soul of the community. As the city grew southward, First Baptist Church of Pasadena voted to relocate from the address on Main to Tatar Street (now Pasadena Boulevard) to keep it near the new center of town. Following that decision and in a fairly amiable way, a group of its members decided to remain at the South Main location and organize a new church. More than 500 charter members formally constituted South Main Baptist Church on May 12, 1954. South Main Baptist Church called Dr. E. Leslie Carlson, a professor at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, to serve as its interim pastor. This short interim period ended when the con- gregation extended a call to Dr. B. J. Martin as its first pastor. Dr. Martin assumed this new responsibility on January 1, 1955, serving South Main with distinction for 26 years (1955-1980). 8

Although he left South Main to serve in an administrative position at Houston Baptist University in 1980, he and his wife Marylyn remained as active members at our church throughout the rest of their lives. Upon his retirement from HBU, South Main bestowed upon Dr. Martin the title of Pastor Emeritus in 1988, an honored designation he held for the remainder of his life. God blessed the ministry of South Main during the tenure of Dr. Martin. The church grew numerically. As a result, several buildings were constructed including a Preschool Building (the Ann Martin Building named in memory of Dr. Martin's first wife) and a new Worship Center. This pastor and people worked together in such a harmonious way that a cooperative and sweet spirit became a part of the church's DNA. That spirit of fellowship endures as a legacy of their work to this day. When Dr. Martin went to HBU, the church called as its interim Pastor another admin- istrator from that university, Dr. Ray Mayfield, Jr. He led South Main for eight months until August 1981. The church then extended a call to Dr. Ron Lyles as its second pas- tor. Two pastors in almost 70 years! That legacy of extended pastoral leadership marks the stability of the church and warm fellowship of its congregation. Under Dr. Lyles' leadership the church developed a mission vision that extends far be- yond our local community, taking God’s message nationally and globally. South Main expanded its local mission ministry in 1983 through the support of smaller mission and church congregations that seek to reach people for Christ where they are. If people will not come to church, the church must go to them. Scattered across the Pasadena and Greater Houston areas, these mis- sion efforts have reached over the years a diverse population of Anglo, Hispanic, African American, South Asian, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Congolese, Argentinian and Russian ethnic groups. 9

South Main partners with the Union Baptist Association and the Baptist General Convention of Texas in church planting. Our goal is for many of these mission congregations to become established as independent churches. The church supports state and national mission activities through the Union Baptist Association, Baptist Gen- eral Convention of Texas, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief and the Baptist World Alliance. Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, the church annu- ally led Bible studies, Vacation Bible Schools, Youth camps and construction efforts throughout Texas and across the nation. It is our hope to return to those activities as the pandemic comes to an end. South Main’s global mission emphasis supports direct mission work on four continents including Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe. South Main funnels financial aid, often through necessary third-party affiliates, to get resources into the hands of missionaries in areas where the gospel cannot be openly preached or taught. In addition, short-term mission trips extend the gospel through Vacation Bible Schools, medical care and construction projects to help believers in distant parts of the world. 10

South Main went through a strategic planning process in 1989 determined to explore options for the future of the church. As a result, in September of that year, the church officially voted to relocate to a developing part of the city as a way of enhancing its ministry and mission. After living in the same home for almost 40 years, the church family packed up their memories and their min- istries in October 1992 and brought them to a new home at 4300 E. Sam Houston Parkway S. on Pasadena’s south side. Though we were no longer located on South Main, the church retained the name because of its positive reputation and name identity within the community. The relocation process became the initiative for new excitement and greater participation. Over the years, the church facility expanded to accommodate new growth and new ministry. The Thompson Suite, named in memory of a former associate pastor and his wife Sue, was constructed in 1995. The Martin Building, named in honor of Pastor Emeritus Dr. B. J. Martin, was added in 1998. The Martin Building includes the Family Life Center and the Kelley Pre-School Suite, named in memory of our former Minister of Education, Diane Kelley. South Mains may not have the historical legacy of a church founded 100 years ago. Its legacy is in its commit- ment to God, its people and its work within the community. Our history as a congregation created the foun- dation for our present and our hope for our future. 11

Our Identity 12

What holds South Main together? What makes our church what it is today? We believe, we are who we are because of the people who call South Main home. If you ask the people of South Main to share why they first came to the church or why they have stayed for so many years, they might talk about family and friends who brought them or invited them. They might talk about how they felt accept- ed from the moment they walked in. Whatever words they use, they are talking about relationships. For many of us that is the reason we came and the reason we stay. Southmainers delight in our relationships with our Lord and Savior. We take joy in our fellowship with one another. Why We Came & Why We Stay 35.0% 32.8% 30.0% 25.8% 25.0% 23.8% 20.0% 21.2% 18.0% 7.9% 10.6% 15.2% 14.4% 15.0% 10.2% 10.6% 10.0% 1.1% 5.0% 6.1% Miscellaneous 3.5% 0.0% Relationships and Family Programming Doctrine Mission & Ministry Leadership Atmosphere Why We Came Why We Stay 13

As important as those relationships are to the health and well-being of a congregation, a church is more than a meeting place. During our time of discovery in our first Congregational Conversation, we shared about the things that made South Main our church home. For most members, South Main became home because of the relationships they developed and because they found a place of personal involvement in ministry and service. “I felt at home at South Main from the beginning. The people were quick to involve us in groups that created lasting friendships and in service projects that served others.” “God led me to this place that is safe, full of biblical truth and provides so many opportunities to serve, both within the church and the community. Here, at South Main, I can fulfill my commitment to the Lord and have a way of sharing my faith with those in our world who do not yet know him.” “South Main met my needs during a particularly difficult time in my life. I had always felt comfortable here, but when they stepped in to share my burden, I knew this was home.” What Made SMBC Home 40.0% 35.9% 33.0% 35.0% 30.0% Personal 15.8% 25.0% Involvement 20.0% 13.4% 15.0% 10.0% 1.9% 5.0% 0.0% Miscellaneous Relationships and Spiritual Foundation Crisis Ministry Atmosphere 14

Therein beats the heart of South Main. It is a place where people care about one another. A place where peo- ple can find a place of personal involvement in service and ministry. If relationships and ministry are our heart, our soul finds its home in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It is him we attempt to serve in all things. We hear biblical truth taught from the pulpit and in our Sunday School classes. We love to be fed the truth of the gospel. We long to know how we can grow as disciples and apply what we learn to our lives, day in and day out. Understanding what God desires and needs from us compels us to get involved in the ministries and missions of the church. What holds South Main together? What makes our church what it is today? It boils down to these three things. South Main Baptist Church serves a congregation with... A soul that is Christ-centered and Bible-Based, A passion for Ministry and Missions, and A heart for building relationships. 15

Our Baptist Heritage 16

South Main Baptist Church embraces our Baptist heritage. No member of South Main Baptist Church of Pas- adena, Texas, is coerced to agree on every point of biblical interpretation and understanding of the Christian faith. We do generally agree on the doctrinal statements of common faith and practice held by most Baptists and contained in the 22 Articles of the Baptist Faith and Message statement adopted by the Southern Bap- tist Convention in 1963 and re-affirmed by the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1980 and 1999. We celebrate our 400-year-old heritage as Baptists and remain committed to, and defenders of, the four free- doms that Baptists historically hold as gifts from God. Bible Freedom Most Baptists historically affirm the Bible as the unique record of the revelation of God and the only authori- ty for what we believe and how we behave. The written word or Scripture gives witness to the Living Word as Jesus Christ and must be central in the life of the individual and the church. Christians are both free and obligated to study, interpret and obey the scriptures for themselves in community with others. Church Freedom Individual churches or congregations find freedom, under the Lordship of Christ, to determine their mem- bership and leadership, to order their worship and work and to ordain persons whom they perceive as gifted for ministry. The local church may participate in the larger body of Christ, of whose unity and mission Bap- tists are proudly a part. We frame this God-given independence under the umbrella of church autonomy, the freedom of an individual church from the dictates of any larger denominational group. Soul Freedom Every individual bears the right and responsibility to relate directly to God without the interference of any human creed, human minister or human government. We enjoy this right through our understanding of “soul competency.” We all have equal access to God as a “priesthood of believers” through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Religious Freedom Christians should be free to exercise their faith in personal conscience without the pressure or prohibition of a civil government or church dictate. We believe that faith is a personal, voluntary commitment of life. The freedom of religion and freedom from religion stems from the practice of separation of church and state. 17

Our Promise 18

Beyond the “four freedoms” we hold true, we believe it is a privilege to serve our God at South Main. When God leads someone to South Main as a member, we make the following promise. “We promise to love you and to let you love us.” That means we will attempt to show our love for you by reaching out to you in Christian fellowship and friendship. We will challenge you to spend time with God in prayer and the study of his word. We will support you in whatever way we can in your journey through life. We will minister to any needs you have whether they are material, emotional or spiritual. We challenge you to mature in your faith formation and in your per- sonal relationship with Jesus. We will attempt to let you love us by providing opportunities for you to serve Christ using the gifts he gave you. We will prayerfully help you discover a place of ministry leadership. In this way you can invest your ener- gies in the Kingdom of God. We will encourage you to love others by combining your financial resources with the resources shared by others to show Christian love and witness here in Pasadena and around the world. In a church like South Main Baptist, built so firmly on relationships, we take these promises seriously and hold them dear. 19

Our Reach 20

The directive is clear. Jesus gathered his disciples and told them, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Those words reaffirmed his commission to all followers to “go and make disciples of all na- tions, baptizing them…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Given that biblical command, the people of South Main recognize the world is our mission field. We are called to reach out wherever God calls us to go and to whomever God sends us. Our mission field begins here at home in a community “ripe for harvest.” Red Circle (5 Mile Radius) Population 310,000 Yellow Circle (5-10 Mile Radius) Population 477,060 Total Population (10-Mile Radius) 787,060 Our Community While it continues to grow and diversify in a modern business boom, Pasadena still gives off the admirable qualities of a small town. Our community residents convey a work ethic and community spirit that is hard to find in an age where people are too busy to get involved. Pasadena takes pride in its public schools, colleges, churches and its quality of life. Over the years, Pasadena has grown to the south, with a vibrant residential and business community develop- ing along the Fairmont/Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8) corridor. South Main Baptist Church, located near the intersection of Fairmont and Beltway 8 is positioned in a prime location to take advantage of that growth. More than 300,000 people live within a five-mile radius of the church. Expand that radius to I-45 to the west, and La Porte to the east and the population more than dou- bles. There are approximately 780,000 people who reside within a 10-mile radius of the church. 21

South Main takes seriously its effort to reach out to the community. Despite the density of the population in southeast Harris County, many are unchurched or unaffiliated with a local congregation. A look at the ethnicity within the five-mile radius of the church shows that Pasadena grows more culturally and ethnically diverse. The Hispanic population, for instance, has grown steadily for the past three decades. Ethnic Breakdown (5 Mile Radius) 1.3 5.8 30.4 4.9 57.6 Afr. Amer. Hispanic Asian White Other Current data shows our Hispanic friends and neighbors make up 57.6 percent of the population of those liv- ing within five miles of South Main. The ethnic breakdown throughout the community is also 30.4 percent White, 5.8 percent African American and 4.9 percent Asian. 22

The demographic change is altering the face of our community, however. In Pasadena ISD, the minority popu- lation constitutes 93 percent of its 52,000 students. Our church data system does not track ethnicity. A casual glance reveals the percentage of Hispanic members in our church has grown over the last few years. Despite this modest inroad, the congregation knows it must make a concerted effort to reach out to this segment of our community more effectively. SMBC will continue to support local mission programs directed toward our Hispanic community for those who might be uncom- fortable attending our church. Yet, there is a desire among the membership to discover and learn ways that we can minister to and involve our Hispanic community in the church and its ministries. 23

Our Membership South Main’s membership over the past decade maintained a steady, but small increase, a growth rate small- er than experienced in the community. The trend in membership runs counter to the national averages. How- ever, far too many of our current membership remain inactive. The data gathered during our Congregation Conversations reveals a need to discover why so many no longer participate in the activities of the church. Membership Growth Active and Inactive 3970 3925 3933 3936 3930 3925 3942 3951 3957 3963 3960 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 3950 3940 3930 3920 3910 3900 3906 3890 3880 3870 2011 While it is not unusual among churches to see a 50-50 split between total and active membership, the chal- lenge before us, as it is for all churches, is to find ways to re-engage many who have slipped away, both prior to and during the pandemic. Worship and Sunday School Attendance 1200 LIVE STREAM 1000 ADDED 800 600 COVID-19 400 SHUT DOWN 200 Worship SS SS Monthly 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 24

The average age of South Main’s members is relatively young based upon the demographic data studied, par- ticularly when compared to the percentage of the same age group in the general population. Approximately 25 percent, or one-quarter of our membership, falls within the 30-39 age group. Another 16 percent of our members are between 40-49 years of age. Yet, the perception feels different from the reality. Although membership in these areas is high. There remains tremendous untapped potential among our children, youth and young married couples, especially in attendance and participation. Age Distribution of Pasadena Community and South Main 30.0% 25.0% 24.0% Community 20.0% Church 15.0% 16.8% 16.0% 15.3% 10.0% 13.2% 12.6% 8.6% 13.1% 15.3% 12.4% 12.3% 5.0% 0.0% 10.2% 4.7% 35..62%% 6.2% 4.7% 2.3% 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ The congregation knows that developing exciting programming and activities to attract our students and young married families as active members is critical to the strength and future of our church. Given the busy lifestyles of these segments of our church membership, keeping them active and engaged is essential to our long-term ministries. 25

Our Giving The people of South Main give consistently to the work of God and the ministry of the church. The TAG took a look at the 10-year giving patterns during its research for the Congregational Conversations. The numbers show a slight increase in annual congregational designated budget gifts over the past decade. Gifts in 2020, the lowest since 2016, can be attributed to the pandemic as giving in 2021 has returned to normal. Despite a slight decline in weekly attendance, the giving history remains stable and steady. According to national data, most churches spend between 50-60 percent of their designated and undesignat- ed receipts on leadership and administrative support. A look at South Main’s 2019 budget shows that our church spends 59.6 percent of its budget on personnel costs, a number that has remained consistent in re- cent years. South Main spends almost 14 percent of its budget on local, state and international mission pro- grams, a figure slightly higher than the national average. A careful look at stewardship among South Main members shows that the church is financially sound with a stable foundation of giving. 26

Congregation Giving History $4,000,000 $3,617,000 $3,706,000 $3,500,000 $3,136,000 $3,198,000 $3,286,000 $3,092,000 $3,000,000 $2,954,000 $3,085,000 $2,959,000 $3,175,000 $3,075,000 $2,500,000 $2,812,000 $2,847,000 $2,841,000 $2,823,000 $2,906,000 $2,843,000 $2,713,000 $2,967,000 $2,643,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Budgeted Receipts Total Receipts Mission & Ministry Budget Designated and Undesignated 17.9% 8.8% 13.7% 59.6% Ministry Missions Leadership and Admin Support Facilities and Upkeep 27

Our Open Doors South Main Baptist Church has found a place in our community. The church opens its doors frequently to community institutions, area schools and organizations for their special programs and meetings. The church sponsors a troop of the Boy Scouts of America and a Cub Scout pack which meet weekly in our building. Our Family Life Center and recreation facilities are used by city leagues and citizens for a myriad of family- oriented activities. South Main provides financial and volunteer human resources in partnership with Pasadena Community Min- istries as it serves the Pasadena and Deer Park communities by giving food and clothing assistance to those in need. The people of South Main engage regularly in extending care to those in our community and the surrounding area in response to natural disasters. Our Disaster Relief Trailer is fully stocked and ready to respond to needs within our community and wherever we might be called to serve. As a special outreach to the community over the past five years, the church has hosted A South Main Bethle- hem. For three nights in December, the community is invited to walk through a re-creation of the first- century village of Bethlehem. Church members dressed in period costumes demonstrate the trades and crafts used at the time of Jesus’ birth. The hands-on demonstrations are popular with the children. Before they exit the demonstration, they visit a live Nativity as a reminder of God’s greatest gift to the world. 28

Our Structure 29

OUR MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM The Ministry Leadership Team of South Main Baptist Church, church staff and our members work harmoni- ously with one another to create an environment for worship and service within the church and within the Pasadena community. Bobie Miller, Associate Pastor, Music and Worship Bobie Miller has served at South Main since January of 1982. He holds a Bachelor’s in Mu- sic Education from Texas Tech University, a Master’s in Religious Education from South- western Seminary, and a Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Houston. He and his wife, Kathy, were married in 1972. Kathy taught young children in public school for 31 years before retiring. The couple has West Texas roots, both growing up in the rural communities of Sundown and Smyer, Texas. The Millers have no children but have shared their love, encour- agement, and laughter with the many children who have been raised at South Main. They also have a love of pets, especially toy poodles. Bobie trusted Christ as a 19-year-old college student and felt a calling to ministry shortly after conversion. Licensed and ordained at the First Baptist Church of Grandview, Bobie served with Dr. Lyles during his semi- nary days. Bobie states that God continues to be his source of encouragement and joy and that his life of min- istry has been a blessing he enjoys every day. Jennifer Evans, Minister of Childhood Education Jennifer was called to be the Minister of Childhood Education at South Main in March of 2009. She grew up in a Christian home where her dad served many churches in ministry positions. When she was eight years old, she made the personal decision to make Christ the Lord of her life and at the age of 14 surrendered her life to ministry. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and a Master’s in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Semi- nary. Before coming to South Main, she served as the Children’s Minister at Northlake Baptist Church in Gar- land, Texas for 11 years. Jennifer met her husband, Russel, at Glorieta Baptist Conference Center where they both taught preschoolers during the summer. Two years later they were married at Glorieta. They approach ministry as a team and feel that this is God’s desire for their entire family. Russel and Jennifer have been blessed with three children: Aa- ron, Weston, and Madeline. 30

Jeff Fuqua, Minister of Education Jeff Fuqua joined the SMBC staff in May of 2015 as our Minister of Education. He shares a passion for stepping out beyond the church facility to physically meet the needs of the community through ongoing projects including Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief and Re- build efforts. It is his desire to see South Main continue to increase the church member- ship’s involvement in mission and ministry. Jeff and his wife, Patti, both graduated from Dallas Baptist College in 1980. Patti earned her Master of Education degree from East Texas State University in 1985 and taught public elementary school for 30 years before retiring in 2010. She has served vocationally as a pianist, organist, and/or keyboardist in Bap- tist churches since the 1970s and is currently involved in South Main's music ministry. Jeff received his Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1990. He has served as a consultant for both associational and state groups in Texas. Jeff and Patti have two adult children who are married with children. Jeff and Patti have five grandchildren, all girls, who keep them quite busy. Trish Gibb, Women’s Ministry Leader Trish Gibb began her ministry at South Main as an intern during the 2018 - 2019 school year while finishing her Master’s in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. She continued as a volunteer until June when she became part of the Ministry Leadership Team at South Main as part-time Women's Ministry Leader. A graduate of La Porte High School and San Jacinto College, Trish went on to study ac- counting at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Following college, she served as Pre- school Coordinator for several years at First Baptist Pasadena, then assumed a leadership role as Director of the Nursery Ministry and Mother’s Day Out Program at FBC for almost 15 years. She and her husband, Mitch, have been married 40 years and have three children and seven grandchildren. Mitch serves as guitarist in South Main's Praise Band. Bill McMillin, Minister of Missions Bill McMillin grew up in Pasadena, Texas. He was saved at the age of seven and is a char- ter member of South Main Baptist Church. He has served South Main part-time as bi- vocational Minister of Missions since February of 1985. He and his wife, Lydia, have two children and five grandchildren. Bill and Lydia own McMillin Insurance Agency, Inc. He attended Southwestern Seminary. Bill believes he is called by God to reach people for Christ outside the walls of the traditional church. 31

Tico Montoya, Minister to Young Adults and Men Tico Montoya grew up 90 minutes north of Houston in Bryan, Texas. He graduated from Houston Baptist University with a Bachelor’s in Christianity and Kinesiology. While attend- ing Houston Baptist University, Tico worked in the Missions Ministry at South Main Baptist Church under Bill McMillin. Tico graduated from Logsdon Seminary in the Spring of 2011 with a Master of Divinity De- gree in Missions and Cross-Cultural Ministry. Tico is married to his best friend, Nicole, whom he met while working at a carwash in Bryan. Tico and Nicole have five children, Elijah, Lydia, Benjamin, Jasiel, and Jude. Tico enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, rooting for all the Houston professional teams: Astros, Rockets, Dynamo, and Texans. He also loves watching college basketball, telling his kids corny jokes, and going out with his wife in search of the best tacos in the Houston area! Kevin Richard, Minister of Family Life Kevin Richard has served at South Main since the summer of 2009. He served as Interim Youth Pastor in 2013 before settling into his work as Minister of Family Life. Currently working on his Doctorate in Educational Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kevin obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Houston -Clear Lake in accounting and received his Master’s in Christian Education from Southwest- ern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2012. Kevin grew up at South Main and accepted Christ at the age of seven. He first felt a call to ministry when asked to lead Bible studies for a college mission trip to New York. He married his wife, Amy, in 2014. Amy has always been incredibly supportive and actively involved in all of Kevin’s areas of ministry. The couple has two young boys, Charles Everette and James William. 32

Erin Ripley, Preschool Coordinator Erin Ripley grew up in the Pasadena area and has been a member at South Main since she was four years old. She served in many different ministries of the church and met her hus- band Eric, who also grew up at South Main. They have been blessed with two girls, Elysa and Emily. Erin holds a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Houston Clear Lake and an asso- ciate degree from San Jacinto College where she studied child development. She is also a realtor at Summit Realtors in Deer Park. She accepted Jesus as her personal savior at the age of nine and is thankful for a Christian home and a loving church family that influenced her growth in Christ over many years. Brian Sadler, Minister of Students Brian Sadler grew up in the Dallas area in a Christian home where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at age 10. He graduated from Baylor University, then mar- ried his wife, Carrie, whom he grew up with at Buckner Terrace Baptist Church in Dallas. In 2003, after working at UT Southwestern Medical School, Brian surrendered full time to the ministry, feeling God's call to serve and work with students. Brian served at several churches in Texas and one in South Carolina, joining SMBC in June of 2015. He works to lead students to greater levels of spiritual maturity, discipleship, worship, and ultimately a personal relation- ship with Jesus Christ. Brian is an avid acoustic guitar player and enjoys leading worship and praising the Lord through music. He re- ceived his Master of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry from Grand Canyon Theo- logical Seminary in September 2016. Brian and Carrie are blessed to have one daughter, Casey. They love to spend time at the beach, going to the movies, and watching sports together. Kelley Trimble, Executive Administrator Kelley Trimble joined South Main Baptist Church as a member in 1993 and joined our Min- istry Leadership Team as Executive Administrator in 2008. She has management oversight of the Ministry Assistants and supports Dr. Lyles in his work. She coordinates and directs the work of the Custodial Staff, Food Service Ministry, and Facility Management personnel while performing the business administration responsibilities of the church. Kelley serves actively in the National Association of Church Business Administrators and worked several terms as an officer in the local Houston Metro Chapter. Prior to joining the ministry team at South Main, Kelley worked in construction and healthcare. Kelley received Christ as her personal Savior at a young age at Park Place Baptist Church in Houston. Kelley enjoys gardening, baking, organizing, and being creative. She especially loves spending time with family and friends, but she most of all loves dates with her grandsons, Beckham and Baker. 33

OUR MINISTRY SUPPORT TEAM Chantal Daniels, Education Assistant, Children and Students Christine Jones, Education Assistant, Publications Jane Logan, Music/Associate Pastor Assistant Michelle Parkman, Receptionist Kim Pressly, Education Assistant Brenda Wells, Financial Secretary Loyd Wells, Family Life Assistant OUR BUILDING SUPPORT TEAM Tommy Arnold, Facility Manager Maria Duarte, Custodian Russell Evans, Sunday Custodian Tobin Ham, Facility Support Carol Lozano, Custodian OUR FOOD MINISTRY TEAM Jennifer Coronado, Food Service Director 34

DEACON MINISTRY TEAM The deacons of South Main Baptist Church take seriously their responsibility as servant leaders within the church and the community. At South Main, all members serve as active deacons, each using their gifts and talents to serve as they are able. Regardless of age or health, all are called upon to pray for the church, its ministry leadership team and the various programs and activities that reach out to the congregation and to the community. The deacon body provides support and encouragement to the pastor and ministry leadership team, but oper- ates in an advisory capacity, not in direct supervision and management of the pastor or staff. The deacons meet monthly to share affirmations for work being done within the church and to offer interces- sory prayer for church programs and those in need. During the monthly meetings, the deacons share minis- try reports for programs in which they are engaged and involved. Hospital Visitation Ministry—The deacons assist the ministry team in visiting those members of our con- gregation and their families who are in local hospitals. Every day of the month is covered by a deacon to ensure that everyone in the hospital receives a call or visit and a prayer. Deacon Crisis Ministry—Deacons work in concert with our church staff in a benevolence ministry, as- sisting members and non-members with special needs they may have. Deacons donate funds each year that provide rental assistance, materials for necessary home or car repairs, shelter, food and medications when circumstances make it difficult for those in need to make ends meet. Visitor Contact Ministry—Deacons make a special outreach to those who visit our church each Sunday through personal contact or telephone calls. Deacons will answer questions about the church, share church programs and invite the visitors to return again. Family Ministry—The deacons reach out to members of our congregation who have lost loved ones. Sym- pathy cards and phone calls are extended to the families at the time of loss. Knowing that grief is timeless, the deacons will reach out again to the families one year later. New Member Ministry—As individuals and families join our church, members of the New Member Minis- try will welcome those new members to the church and share information about Sunday School, church programs and activities, encouraging the new members to find a place of involvement and ser- vice. Deacon Support Time is set aside for the pastor to share information and concerns with the deacon body. When new initia- tives are under consideration, the pastor may seek approval from the deacons where appropriate and carry his recommendations to the church body with a deacon endorsement. 35

CHURCH BUSINESS Final authority for important matters pertaining to the church rests with the congregation according to its charter and by-laws. A quarterly Ministry Celebration is held in January, April, July and October for the pur- pose of hearing reports about the various ministries of the church and to discuss relevant church business. Several volunteer committees join together to support the work of the Ministry Leadership Team and Minis- try Support Team in a wide variety of areas. Only the Finance Team and Budget Team consist of members in- vited by the pastor. All other committees are staffed by volunteers interested in that service or work. FINANCE TEAM The church gives the pastor the leadership role in the administrative business of the church. The Finance Team, whose members are approved annually by the congregation, shares oversight with the pastor of finan- cial, accounting, and legal matters. The Finance Team reviews church finances monthly and oversees the deposits and securities of the church. This team also assists the pastor as requested on other issues such as personnel management, property matters, sabbatical leave approval and financial requirements arising outside the church-approved budget. In addition, the Finance Team is charged with conducting an annual performance review of the pastor as part of the church’s overall church personnel performance review program. BUDGET TEAM Each fall a new church budget for the upcoming year is prepared by a Budget Team. This Team consists of members of the Finance Team and a cross-section of lay leaders appointed by the pastor from essentially all ministry areas of the church. All members of the Ministry Leadership Team present financial proposals for the forthcoming year for their areas of responsibility. A recommended budget is then prepared by the Budg- et Team for submission to the Deacon Body for review and approval, and then to the entire church for discus- sion and approval. 36

OUR SUPPORT TEAMS The Church votes annually at a regular business meeting to endorse the organization of teams for the pur- pose of engaging actively in the ministries and work of the church. Included among those teams are the fol- lowing: Hospitality Team—South Main enjoys its times of fellowship with one another. The Hospitality Team is called in to decorate, provide food and serve at various church socials and activities. Properties Team—This group of volunteers monitor the condition of the church facility and grounds and rec- ommend renovations, repairs and maintenance that needs to be performed. Using their personal skills where possible, the team helps the church avoid hiring outside contractors. The team also organizes periodic volun- teer “work days” to address campus-wide clean up and light maintenance as needed. 37

Our Ministry 38

South Main Baptist Church offers a wide range of programs and ministries designed to draw people to our church. As was said in the movie, A Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.” South Main, however, has never been a church to simply create opportunities and hope people show up. Jesus taught in the syna- gogues and temple, but he did not wait for people to come to him. He went out into the countryside to preach, teach and touch the lives of those he encountered. He is our example. Our church desires to do more than just attract people to our congregation. We want to go outside our walls and build relationships with those we encounter with the purposeful intent of drawing them closer to Christ, whether they ever come to our campus. The members of South Main take very seriously the words of Jesus, “I did not come to be served, but to serve.” We believe that service to others demonstrates obedience to God’s call. Participating in the various ministries provides opportunities for blessing and growth. Worship One of the main reasons we gather at church is to offer worship and praise to God. Members and guests at South Main gather for worship in two Sunday morning services. Our early service offers a traditional format. Those attending the late morning service experience a more contemporary sound and feel. Our young school-aged children from kindergarten through third grade can experience Kid’s Cove, an espe- cially designed worship and praise experience for our children. Our young ones wishing to participate in Kid’s Cove are dismissed mid-way through the second service. While parents of our youngest ones attend worship, their pre-school children receive age-appropriate learn- ing experiences through our Extended Teaching Care (ETC) led by volunteer adults. The Covid-19 pandemic certainly changed the way we offer worship and Bible study to our church and our community. When the pandemic hit we missed only one Sunday while trying to find a way to adjust our wor- ship to the new circumstances. South Main spent the next six months hosting “drive-in church” for those who wanted to experience worship on location. 39

The pandemic accelerated our plans to introduce livestreaming of our worship services. Those unable to attend worship on site, could view worship activities online. Over the months, the church staff introduced Zoom meetings as a way of offering Sunday School and Bible study opportunities when social distancing was required. The use of technology kept us connected when contact could have easily been lost. It extended our reach in- to the community and beyond in ways we never dreamed. We know after our experiences with livestreamed worship that there is a ministry within that concept that allows us to reach those who cannot or will not attend in person. The challenge and opportunity ahead of us is to explore and implement ways we can use technology to spread the gospel of Christ to within our neigh- borhoods and beyond. Bible Studies Taking seriously Jesus’ call to make disciples, South Main offers a variety of scripture-based Bible studies dur- ing the week for all age groups, designed to help us mature and grow in Christ. It is the desire of our hearts to become better disciples of Christ and to let our lives shine as a testimony of his love and grace. The people of South Main believe we are challenged each week to grow in our personal commitment to Christ from the pulpit, through our Sunday School classes and the array of staff and lay-led Bible study oppor- tunities throughout the week. Spiritual growth and development of our members remain cornerstones of our church programming and ministry. 40

Music Ministry It would be difficult to imagine worship without music. At South Main, the music program offers something for everyone. The people of South Main enjoy worship through music, lifting voices in praise and adoration to God. The mu- sic ministry from pre-school through adult programs seeks to offer a blend of the old and the new. The church takes delight in the diversity of music styles offered and the varied ways in which it is blended into worship, whether traditional or contemporary. Instrumental music opportunities in the form of The Praise Band, adult handbells and individual performances beyond those involved in choir. The Youth Choir makes annual trips to share God’s message through music and service projects. Our music groups often extend their efforts into the community by offering concerts and activities for civic organizations and senior citizen groups. 41

Pre-School and Children’s Ministry The South Main Pre-School and Children’s Ministries partner with parents to teach children to love God with all their heart, to love others and to begin to understand that God has a special plan for their lives. Age- appropriate classes are offered on Sunday and Wednesday. In addition, special events held throughout the year offer fun and fellowship and family ministry within the context of God’s love. Among the annual events are: Spring Event-Easter egg hunt and family picnic Vacation Bible School Fall Festival—a Halloween alternative Parents Night Out Wacky Wednesdays South Main also operates The Learning Center, a licensed child-care center for children six months to five years old. TLC meets Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 42

Student Ministry The Student Ministry ministers to students from 7th grade to 12th grade in a program designed to teach young people to live a life fully devoted to Jesus. Students meet in small group Bible study on Sunday morning. Each Wednesday students meet for Ricochet, a student-led worship time. On Sunday afternoon, interested stu- dents meet for Youth Choir. Students engage in Small Groups, Party and Ministry (SPAM). Annual events in which our youth are engaged include Youth Camp, Disciple Now Weekend, Bounce, Tailgate Service and WOW Week. College Ministry The College Ministry is built upon the premise of discipleship and service. Teaching young adults to apply what they have been taught in church to real world situations enables them to avoid some of the temptations that come as they begin life on their own. Adult Ministries Whether you are a single adult, young married, married adult or senior adult, South Main offers Bible study and service programs designed for all groups. In addition, each group provides their own fellowship opportunities throughout the year for fun, fellowship and relationship building. South Main’s senior adult organization JOY (Just Older Youth) enjoy monthly fellowship, lunch and scheduled outings for shopping and sightseeing. Men of the church can enjoy the Monthly Men’s Prayer Breakfast, mission endeavors, recreational opportuni- ties, various accountability groups and Bible studies directed for men only. Women may participate in programs designed specifically for them. The Women’s Ministry, called Main Women, is designed to equip and influence the women of South Main to daily love and grow in God’s love and grace through Bible studies, retreats and special programs. The church offers a unique program for wid- ows called Pathway of Hope, a ministry founded to encourage and support all widows within the community through fun activities, meals, fellowship, and prayer. 43

Family Life South Main places an emphasis on health and wellness through its Family Life programs. In addition to a full- size gymnasium, the Family Life Center includes a walking/jogging track, exercise equipment, a rock-climbing wall, game room, and arts and crafts room. Recreational opportunities include activities for children, students and adults. Among the planned activities are intramural indoor volleyball, sand volleyball and basketball leagues, golf tournaments, disc golf tourna- ments and week-day aerobic classes. The church hosts Upward sports programs in basketball, soccer and flag football. During the summer, the Family Life Ministry hosts specialized camps for children from first to sixth grades, including a basketball camp, an After VBS camp, and an End-of-Summer camp. Family Life ministry also works toward ministering to families with planned activities and events to get par- ents and children playing, working and worshipping together. 44

Outreach Ministries South Main began years ago offering programs to support individuals experiencing some of life’s most diffi- cult challenges. Through these ministries, South Main reaches out to share God’s protective and redemptive love with those in need. Members of the church serve others through their leadership on family care teams. Divorce Care—When a marriage falls apart, the hurt runs deep. It is especially difficult on Christians who did not enter the marriage relationship lightly. When, they find themselves in this situation, they need the love and support of people who believe in them. Divorce Care is a support group for those hurting from the expe- rience of divorce. An ancillary program, Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) is also available for children whose lives have been impacted by divorce. Grief Share—Dealing with grief is an intensely personal process. Often there is comfort in going through the process with others who are sharing one’s experience. The Grief Share Team meets with members of our church or community who have lost loved ones, giving them a chance to talk about their common concerns and to go through a Bible-based video/study program together. Master’s Touch—The Master’s Touch is a broad-ranging ministry that extends care to some of the most vul- nerable in our church and community. Among the various ministries are: Main Family Care—The Second Family Care Team devotes time each week to minister to the elderly and homebound in our congregation. Many of these older men and women find themselves alone with family scattered far and wide. The regular contact with church members is a blessing and lets them know they are not alone. The Care Blanket Team—This vital ministry cares for those with chronic or terminal illnesses. The Care Blanket Team provides a blanket with sewn-on scripture verses and prayers. Those receiving the blan- kets not only benefit physically, but also gain spiritual and emotional strength by the prayers of the team and the church. The Gathering Place—Members of The Gathering Place ministry offer respite to those individuals with family members diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The family member may bring the one with Alzheimer’s to the church for a time of singing, games, exercise, lunch, crafts and other fun activi- ties. The family member may participate in the activities or spend the day relaxing or running errands as needed. It gives the permanent caregivers rest from the daily difficulties associated with the illness affecting their loved one. Rooftop Ministry--South Main Baptist Church works in conjunction with the Special Programs Depart- ment of Pasadena Independent School District to help meet the needs of the district’s growing home- less and migrant student population. Since 2013, those members of South Main with a passion for helping students seek to show God’s love by meeting their physical, spiritual, emotional and economic needs of students living in these difficult circumstances. Rooftop Ministry attempts to live out the words in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” 45

Our Missions 46

While discipleship plays an integral role in our church ministries, we also know that you cannot teach some- one to become a disciple of Christ until they first place their faith and trust in him. South Main places a priori- ty on sharing the gospel of Christ within our church, our community and around the globe. The people of South Main recognize that the church cannot simply open its doors, sit back and hope that people will come. In obedience to the Great Commission, the people of South Main know that God calls us to go beyond the walls of the church and into the greater community to share the love of Jesus. The church em- braces the call to missions. The work of missions begins at home. To understand the importance of the work, our children are taught about Baptist work at home and abroad. Mission education begins through children’s programs like Mission Friends, Girls in Action (GAs) and the Royal Ambassadors (RAs). Our mission commitment goes beyond just talking about it, however. South Main believes in direct mission involvement. The church offers several local, state, national and global mission projects. More than 50 per- cent of South Main’s membership participates in our mission outreach. Mission Churches Mission Membership 1280 Average Mission Attendance 950 47

The diversity of our city’s population explains why so many of the church’s mission partners serve the com- munity within the 10-mile radius of the church. If the people feel uncomfortable in a traditional church setting, the church must meet them where they are. In addition to the main local mission churches supported by South Main, the church partners with other Christ followers in Pasadena and around our nation to share the love of Christ. Among the partners with whom we work are the Union Baptist Association, Mission Centers of Houston, the Bridge Over Trouble Wa- ters, Project Joy and Hope. South Main Baptist Church partners with Pasadena Community Ministries to provide food and clothing to those in need in our community. The church, in partnership with Buckner International, builds new homes for deserving families in South Texas. Internationally, South Main works with Operacion San Andres in Collique, Peru, Bridges of Hope and missionaries working in Barcelona, Spain. 48

Our Path Forward 49

During the Congregational Conversation, the members of South Main spent time in reflection, sharing their opinions related to who we are as a congregation today. We spoke in terms of our receptiveness to change, a particularly salient point for a church in is first pastoral leadership change in 40 years. We took a hard look at whether we put effort behind our words that describe South Main as a missions-oriented church. We looked at our approach to worship and talked about our path toward spiritual development and growth. This look at who we are provides a measure against who we desire to be in the years to come. While it is gen- erally agreed that we can do all things better, our path forward doesn’t require a radical change in direction. It becomes a matter of doing well that which we already do. OPINION EXERCISE Our congregation is open to change and innovation. Strongly Disagree 1……….2……….3……….4……….5……|…..6……….7……….8 Strongly Agree 5.6 I am personally involved in our mission efforts in Pasadena and beyond. Strongly Disagree 1……….2……….3……….4………|.5………..6……….7……….8 Strongly Agree 4.9 50