Returning Home

Thanks for taking the time to read this introductory blog about God’s goodness in leading our family back to the city.  On Sunday, August 29, 2021, I will be installed as the second senior pastor Family Baptist Church has ever known!  What an honor to shepherd this wonderful congregation in the heart of North Minneapolis. 

I am stepping into the shoes of my dad, Lee Ormiston, a faithful servant of the Lord who started this church 25 years ago.  God blessed him with creativity, compassion, and zeal.  He has guided Family Baptist through times of prosperity and famine through careful exegesis of God’s Word.  I am thrilled to announce that he has agreed to stay on the pastoral team in a part-time capacity to help me adjust into my new position and help the church continue it’s rich heritage of providing hope to the hopeless! 

I decided to blog about my experiences as an urban church pastor to solicit prayer support and encourage others to join us in this rewarding endeavor of seeking the peace of the city by building healthy communities of faith (Jer. 29:7).  My blog will provide a weekly reflection on life in the hood… the highs and the lows.  It will be a brief journal of the journey God has led our family to take. 

My prayer is that God will use this blog to connect with pastors and churches in the Twin Cities area, former students from Bob Jones University and Seminary, and the dear members of our sending church – Palmetto Baptist in Powdersville, SC.  I would love to see God use these weekly entries to inspire you to take a step of faith and join Him in the good work He has called you to fulfill (Eph. 2:10). 

Please join me in praying that God would grant us wisdom to know how to prioritize the needs at Family Baptist Church.  Ask God to help me grow in my ability to communicate the truths of Scripture in a clear and understandable fashion.  I also invite you to join us in praying that God will continue to open doors for Heather and me to reconnect with the teens (now in their late 30’s and early 40’s) from the youth group we led at Family Baptist Church 20+ years ago.  Many of these precious friends still live in the area and have begun reaching out  to us.  We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this next week!