A New Season of Ministry
Sam Rainer
Transitions are bittersweet – this one is no exception. I’m overjoyed to announce that Erin and I have accepted the call to First Baptist Church Murray, KY. I was saddened to announce today my resignation at Sarasota Baptist Church. I will miss the Ranchers in Sarasota, but I can’t wait to be on the field in Murray. I could not have asked for finer ministry partners at the Lakewood Ranch campus – I do not know of a more unified congregation.
I leave one great congregation for another – FBC is a body with an incredible heart for missions. They birthed the idea of the cooperative program (how my denomination funds mission work). They were one of the first to do Amazon River missions. The heartbeat of missions that began in 1847 remains strong today. In short, I can’t wait to join the people in Murray who have joined God in His work.
… for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20
I’ll be the pastor of a new church, but the mission remains the same. I leave one church knowing that they will never stop living gospel-centered lives. I join another church knowing they have the same heart.
Praying that your transition goes smoothly. Can’t wait for your arrival at FBC Murray.
Sam, congrats on the new position. It looks like your new church is in a time of transition based on all of the ‘interim’ positions, so hopefully you’ll have a hand in developing a new staff. Keep in touch. Marcus
Sam and the adorable Erin
We will really miss you all! I am excited for you, however, and all that this new direction will take you. Let’s stay in touch and meet up in Nashville from time to time!
Candace Keck
I proud of you Sam. You are leaving a great place and going to a great place. And I have no doubt that you’ll be able to exercise your gifts in a great way for His glory at FBC Murray.
Of course, it’s even better that you’ll only be two hours from Mom and me 🙂
I hope Murray will be a great new home for you. I have heard a lot of good things about the college there, Murray State University. I have met some recent graduates from there and they all seem to be all around good people.
Sam,
We were shocked and saddened to hear you are leaving SBC! But we are also happy for you and Erin and hope all the best for you.
We will pray that you have a smooth transition, meet friends quickly and visit often!
We’ll be following you through all of this great technology and we are happy to know you are going to be closer to family.
Take care and God Bless!
Chris and Terri Behling
Missy – We’re looking forward to being there! Thanks.
Marcus – Thanks! Hope TX is treating you well. Say hello to the fam for me.
Dad – Exactly right! It will be great to be close to Mom.
Terri – I covet your prayers – thank you. And we’ll definitely stay in touch via social media. Take care.
Candace – We’ll definitely have to get together. You should bring the fam up and spend some time on the lake too. And yes, Erin is adorable 🙂
See you in Nashvegas!
Congratulations, Sam.
Thanks Ed. Looking forward to you coming up and going fishing with me.
SAM AND ERIN —-WHEN APRIL AND I GOT BACK FROM VACATION WE WERE SHOCKED TO HEAR OF YOUR RESIGNATION. BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW WE UNDERSTAND AND ONLY WISH THE BEST FOR THE TWO OF YOU IN THIS NEXT STEP OF YOUR MINISTRY. YOU WILL BE MISSED. WE ENJOYED WORKING WITH YOU AT LWR AND FELT YOUR TOTAL SUPPORT. THERE IS NO DOUBT WE ACCOMPLISHED SOME GOOD THINGS WORKING TOGETHER AND THAT MAKES US FEEL LIKE, ALTHOUGH IT WAS A SHORT TIME, WE WERE MEANT TO BE PARTNERS FOR CHRIST. YOU WILL BOTH BE IN OUR PRAYERS. dennis and april
Dennis – Erin and I will miss both you and April. I know that the Lakewood Ranch community groups are healthier because of your leadership. I enjoyed serving with you!
SAM –HOW ARE THINGS IN YOUR NEW POSITION? YOU ARE REALLY MISSED AT LWR AND ERIN TO! WE ARE MOVING TOWARD OUR FEB 5TH CAMPAIGN BANQUET, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED TO A RALLY FEATURING CHARLES STANLEY. THIS WHOLE THING HS WORN ME OUT. THE LWR COMMUNITY GROUP NUMBERS HAVE BEEN DOWN. THEY GOT UP TO 322 AND LAST WEEK THEY WERE 240—WHERE DID THOSE PEOPLE GO. A NUMBER ARE MOST LIKELY UP NORTH. BUT IT IS A CONCERN I HAVE—AMONG OTHERS. HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU. DENNIS
Dennis –
Good to hear from you! We’re doing great up here. We’ve seen several accept Christ, and God is moving. Erin and I have been well received and well supported here at FBC. Murray’s a great town, and we’re enjoying the people. Of course, we miss you and April, as well as others down in the Sunshine State.
Stay in touch. God bless!
Sam
Welcome to Kentucky Baptist! Hi Sam, just ran across your note of change in place of ministry. I glanced at your covenant with FBC Murray and see there is a clause about concentrating your ministry there. I pray that as you are faithful in the local church, not only will they be blessed but that the work in Kentucky will be blessed by the contributions beyond the local scene.
I see you have an impressive ‘committee’ of reference to call on-starting with your Dad. I am sad for the folks in Florida but already rejoicing in the goodness of God in bringing you to KY.
John Paul Todd
member-FBC Richmond
Thanks John Paul!
I can hardly wait for you to come as our next pastor at FBC Murray. I’m praying for you and Erin daily for the transition of selling your house and the drive up to KY. I’m ready to hit the ground running to help WIN the lost to Christ (27,000+)in Murray and Calloway County.
Continue to pray for me as I have had the shoulder manipulation surgery and the eyelid surgery. I found out this week that I’ll have to have another (3rd) corfnea transplant in the right eye as the first 2 didn’t take. This has been since last November.
Mark –
Erin and I are counting the days! Thanks for the prayers. I will continue to pray for you as well.
Sam,
Looking forward to your arrival. May the Lord bless you with wisdom and also with the love and support of the people at FBC. No doubt, you will have your hands and schedule full as you get on the ground here, but, as another local pastor new to this whole deal, I’m happy to grab a cup of coffee with you any time. Enjoy the transition. We at Elm Grove are praying for you and FBC.
Brad Burns
Pastor
Elm Grove Baptist, Murray
wishing to partner with your ministry,show me how to reach you for more details.