b'footprint, our congregation connects in ministry with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Baptist General Convention of Texas.At present First Baptist Abilene is in a period of transition, with the retirement of Dr. Phil Christopher as our senior pastor in October 2021, after 26 years of service with us. The church prepared well for the interim that followed his retirement, including the election of a nine-member Pastor Search Committee that reflects the breadth of our congregation. The committee engaged the Center for Healthy Churches to assist during this period of transition. Under their leadership we have entered an extensive self-study, involving three congregationalconversationsand twochurch-widesurveys. Thisprocesshasprovided the search committee with valuable data about the congregations understanding of our identity and calling now and for the future, as well as a good sense of the expectations that we have for the person who will serve as our spiritual leader in the years ahead.The committee is now involved in the search phase of our work, seeking the individual who will become our next senior pastor. We are looking for someone who has the gifts and preparation to become one of us, to help us grow in discipleship, and to lead us in faithful service as the body of Christ. Throughout the transition process the committee and congregation have intentionally and consistently sought the leadership of the Holy Spirit, confident that eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered the heart of anyone the things that God has prepared for our church as we continue to discover what it means to love God and others in our community and world.Trusting in Gods grace,The Pastor Search Committee of First Baptist Church AbileneContact: PastorSearch@FBCAbilene.orgBack row: Bob Ellis (Chair), Paul Irby (Vice-chair), Evan Harris, Marcus Spencer, Jim JonesFront row: Debby Brown, Jecilly Varghese, Libby Gibson, Tiffany Hammer3'