The mission of First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge is to be a loving, caring congregation which bases its faith and life on the Scriptures and seeks to help others become devoted followers of Christ through prayer, friendship, invitation and witness.
What Will It Be Like?
Been looking back and looking forward as this transition arrives. And so these next two newsletters, I have some reflections and thoughts for you. Twenty-two years ago, I did not come to Baton Rouge to change the direction of the church. Before I arrived, the elders had gone through a process of reaffirming the church’s mission, naming essential beliefs and creating a long-range strategic plan. The new pastor would have to fit the clear identity and mission of the church. In other words, I was told, “This is us. Will you come lead us to be more us?” The church’s clarity was a key reason I knew in my bones God was calling us here. No new direction. No new values. Just press into who God has made us to be.
February 2026
“Surreal”
How can I have announced my retirement? How can 22 years have blown by so fast? How can we possibly pull away from these beloved relationships? Now that it’s real, it just doesn’t seem like it could be real. We will savor every day of these next three months. And, as you will see below, we are preparing for a great Lenten season together.
