Bradfordville First Baptist Church has a new leader.
Dr. Ronny Raines of Georgetown, Kentucky, was elected Senior Pastor by the BFBC congregation on February 16, 2014 and officially begins his assignment on Sunday, March 23, 2014.
Dr. Raines served as the North Central regional consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention before coming to BFBC. His previous pastoral assignments include Senior Pastor roles at Northside Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and First Baptist Church Cold Spring, Cold Spring, Kentucky.
Dr. Raines holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, a Master of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The church and its new pastor are excited about what the future holds at BFBC.
“We are blessed to have one of the bright young preachers in America as our spiritual leader,” said Dennis Vickers, chairman of the BFBC Body of Deacons. “From the first day he set foot in Tallahassee, Dr. Raines has energized our church members and staff to come together to make BFBC a special place of worship and service.”
Dr. Raines, along with his wife and ministry partner Angie, quickly embraced the people of BFBC and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“We immediately sensed that church members loved the Lord, cared for one another, and wanted the church to make a kingdom difference,” said Dr. Raines. “I absolutely respect the church’s most excellent past but that said, I’m convinced that the best days for BFBC are ahead of us. That belief excites and compels Angie and me as we transition from Kentucky to Florida.”
Dr. Raines sees unlimited potential at BFBC. “We can make a difference locally, nationally, and globally,” he said. “Jesus called His followers to be His witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of earth. We’ll work to fulfill that Great Commission and our measuring stick will be, “Is Tallahassee a better place because of Bradfordville’s influence?’ I believe it will be.”
With its strategic location in the heart of growing Northeast Tallahassee, Dr. Raines wants BFBC to be warm and welcoming to guests. “My desire is for guests to experience a church that loves Jesus, one another, and them. I believe the church is for people of all ages,” he said. “I intend to lead the church to be God-focused, Jesus-centered, Bible-driven, and Spirit-led. It’s critical, too, that we maintain an environment that’s safe and secure for children, their parents, and our volunteers. As we serve the Lord and our guests, I’m asking God to change lives and allow the church to experience spiritual and numerical growth.”
A longtime Kentucky Wildcat fan, Dr. Raines says he’s been “secretly” following FSU since the BFBC opportunity arose. “I enjoy sports so adapting to the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) culture will be easy,” said Raines. “In fact, during my last team meeting at the Kentucky Baptist Convention, leaders presented me with a Florida State shirt to wear. I’m already making the transition. However, it’s possible that I may show up to an event one day wearing gear from Big Blue Nation.”
Note: Dr. Raines invites church members – current and future – and people in the community to follow him on Twitter @drronnyraines.