A Note from Pastor Emeritus David O. Dykes
IT’S BEEN SEVERAL YEARS since I wrote an article for the GABC Update. Pastor Michael has graciously invited me to preach this Sunday (August 4) from Psalm 15, so he suggested that I write this weekly article.
SINCE SOME OF YOU ARE NEW, I’ll share some of my background. Cindy and I moved to Tyler in 1991 after the church called me to be the fourth Pastor of Green Acres. I was 38 years old and this wonderful, loving church was always quick to show God’s grace as I matured in my ministry. We served here for a little over thirty years. Those were the happiest years of our lives. It was our joy to watch our girls grow up and get married. Then we were overjoyed when they gave us grandchildren!
I RETIRED AS PASTOR OF GREEN ACRES on September 1, 2021, and on that same day, the congregation joyfully welcomed Dr. Michael Gossett as the fifth Lead Pastor in the 69-year history of Green Acres. I have watched with a great sense of appreciation as Pastor Michael has lovingly and skillfully led our congregation over the past few years. He’s the first pastor I’ve had since I was in college, and I am his biggest cheerleader. My family loves Pastor Michael, Katie and their beautiful family.
SINCE I RETIRED AS PASTOR AT GABC, I haven’t retired from ministry. I made a pledge that I will continue to teach God’s Word as long as I have breath in my body. I have preached at dozens of churches around East Texas. And I served as Interim Pastor at Mobberly Baptist in Longview for ten months during their transition after the tragic death of their pastor. Over the past four months, I have been preaching at First Baptist Church, Athens and Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jacksonville.
WHEN I’M NOT PREACHING SOMEWHERE, Cindy and I are thrilled to be a part of the worship service at Green Acres. I enjoy interacting with the GABC Staff when I’m on campus. And I am always happy to give advice – but I have a policy that I never give any unsolicited advice.
CINDY AND I BOTH AGREE that Green Acres is healthier and stronger than ever before! The Lord continues to build an amazing team around Pastor Michael! On Sundays, we are thrilled to see the large number and enthusiasm of the students who sit in front of us in the 11:00am worship. We rejoice to see so many young families with children joining our church. There are so many great opportunities for your young family members to get involved in our Kids Ministry, Student Ministry, as well as Impact Sports! Our College, Young Adult, and Singles Ministries are growing rapidly. The weekly events and Bible studies in the Women’s Ministry and Senior Adult Ministry are experiencing record attendance! Jesus is transforming lives through the ministries of GABC!
We love this church and believe that the greatest days of Green Acres are in the future! I encourage you to pray for the members of your staff team every day. And send them notes (email/texts) to let them know you are praying for them.
We want you to CONNECT to Jesus and his church! Here are some opportunities to do that:
Global Worship Kick-Off – August 7
All 3 campuses are coming together this Wednesday, August 7, at 6 pm in Crosswalk, for a Global Worship Ministry kick-off. If you are interested in the plans for this Fall, please plan to attend. There will be a short worship time, then campus leaders will share what God is doing and introduce the 4 Pillars of our Worship DNA. There will even be food stations and games. Childcare is also available with your registration. Register here
Multiply – August 11
All leaders and prospective leaders at the Tyler, Español, and Flint campuses – register today for an amazing and inspirational leadership conference Sunday, August 11 starting at 4pm. Ministries include Kids, Students, Adults, Español, Women’s, Safety, Missions, Guest Services, Men’s and Worship ministries. Check out gabc.org/multiply for more information. Please note that registration for the Tyler and Español campuses is different from the Flint campus. Register here
Starting Point Brunch – August 18
If you have just recently joined our church, or are considering church membership, this brunch is for you! This is a great way to get to know our church better. Starting Point will be on August 18 at 9:30am in Crosswalk (above the café). If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about GABC, please sign up here.
I’m deeply grateful for the honor of serving as your Pastor.
Pastor David