Dear First Baptist Waycross Family,
Over the past five months, I have had the great privilege of serving as your pastor. During this season, I’ve spent intentional time listening, learning, praying, and walking with many of you. I’ve been deeply encouraged by your faithfulness, your love for one another, and your desire to see our church thrive for generations to come. I am grateful to God for you.
As I reflect on these first months together, my heart is filled with hope for what God is doing among us and anticipation for where He is leading us. I truly believe these are important days in the life of First Baptist Waycross. God has given us a rich history, and He is inviting us to step forward together into a faithful and fruitful future.
At the heart of that future is a clear vision shaped by my passion for discipleship and church revitalization—not simply growing bigger, but growing healthier; not just doing more, but becoming more like Jesus. For us to move forward together with unity and purpose, it’s important that we share a common understanding of who we are and what guides us. That’s why I want to share with you the core values that I believe should shape our life together as a church.
Biblical Truth
God’s Word is our foundation and authority.
We are a people rooted in Scripture. Everything we preach, teach, and practice must flow from God’s Word—not personal preferences or cultural pressures. In a world that is constantly shifting, the truth of God remains firm. As a church, we will continue to open the Bible together, trusting it to shape our lives, our decisions, and our direction.
Authentic Relationships
We grow best when we grow together.
Church is more than a service we attend—it is a family to which we belong. Healthy discipleship happens in the context of meaningful relationships where we encourage one another, walk together through life, and carry one another’s burdens. My prayer is that First Baptist Waycross will be a place where no one feels alone and everyone is known and loved.
Intentional Discipleship
Every believer is a disciple and a disciple-maker.
Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. Discipleship does not happen by accident—it happens on purpose. I long for us to be a church that helps every person take their next step with Christ and equips believers to invest in others. This is how faith deepens, leaders are developed, and the church grows strong from the inside out.
Missional Living
We are sent into our community and the world with the gospel.
The church does not exist for itself. Jesus sends us into our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and beyond to share the hope of the gospel. Every believer is a missionary, and every day is an opportunity to live on mission. My prayer is that our church will be known not only for what happens inside our walls, but for the love and light we bring into our community.
Church family, this is the vision I am inviting us to embrace together. These values are not simply statements to affirm—they are commitments to live out. They will guide our ministries, shape our discipleship pathway, and help us stay focused on what matters most as we move forward.
I am confident that as we commit ourselves to these values, God will strengthen our unity, deepen our faith, and expand our impact for His Kingdom. I am grateful to walk this journey with you, trusting the Lord to do far more than we could ask or imagine.
We are On Track with Jesus, and truly, no one rides alone.
With gratitude and hope,
Ray Sullivan
Pastor, First Baptist Waycross