The following article was first published in the Baker Heights bulletin in 1995 by former minister Jimmy Jividen.

Exciting and Sobering

Selecting a new preacher is no easy task. It is both an exciting and a sobering time.

It is exciting to have to select a new preacher because of “planting” another congregation. All kinds of possibilities are before us as our leadership adjusts to a new reality. New challenges are on the horizon for Baker Heights, and blessed is the preacher who chooses to be part of it.

It is sobering to know the importance of selecting new leadership in the pulpit. It is a time when individual judgement preferences are sacrificed for the good of the group. It is a time when principle has preference over personality. It is a time for everyone to have their say, but for no one to have their way. It is a time to follow the leaders whom we have selected. It is a time to pray for wisdom and trust in the help of the Lord.

New Beginnings

It is good to be part of this “new beginning.”

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Jimmy Jividen

BHCC Minister – 1989-1995

This was Jimmy’s next to last bulletin article for Baker Heights. Two weeks after he published this article in the bulletin, Jimmy left Baker Heights to become the minister at Oldham Lane Church of Christ, which was planted by 130 members from Baker Heights.