Children's Minister - Paul Betts
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Name: Paul Betts
Birthday: 4/21/1969
Education Background: 1992 B.S., Elementary Education, Crichton College; 2008 M.C.E., Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Ministry Background: Administrator of a Christian school in Virginia for 4 years; Education Minister at Immanuel from September 2005 to September 2011; recently appointed as Children's Minister.
I was called to IBC on: 09/2005
My Family Details: Married to Michelle 1996; Dallas, our 137 lb. Rottweiler; Tigger, our orange cat.
My Role at IBC: Children's Minister
Personal Story: I was raised in Memphis, TN and attended Trinity Baptist Church from an early age. I joined the Cub Scouts at the age of 8 or 9 which met at Trinity. One particular week in 1979, Trinity was having revival services, and our scoutmaster decided it would be best if our troop went to the revival instead of having our weekly scout meeting. It was at this revival service, at the age of 10, that the Lord called me to Himself in salvation. Even though I loved attending Sunday school, VBS, and children’s church/adult church and learning the great stories of the Bible, I didn’t really grow in my faith until I began attending our youth Wednesday night services when I was 15 or 16. My youth minister, David Wooten, and pastor, Sam Simmons, were very instrumental in my growth as a believer in Christ. They taught me that walking with God is an everyday relationship and not just a one-and-done decision to follow Him. Following Christ is a life-time commitment that leads to a changed life. I have learned that God is faithful to His promises found in His Word and honors what He has said He will do.
Favorite Book of the Bible: Hebrews because of the supremacy and superiority of Christ; Romans because of Paul’s summary of our great salvation; Deuteronomy.
Recent Books I’ve Enjoyed: What in the World is Going On? by David Jeremiah; The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller.
Books I’m Working on Now: Apologetics for a New Generation, Sean McDowell, general editor; The Truth War by John MacArthur; The Last Christian Generation by Josh McDowell; The Reason for God by Timothy Keller.
Most Fulfilling Aspect of my Ministry at IBC: Worshipping with great people who have a sincere heart for God and His Word; spending time with our senior citizens; being a part of seeing the Lord work through this small congregation called Immanuel.
Places of Service Available in my Ministry: We are always in need for assistant teachers in Sunday school; we also have a need for Discipleship University teachers; people who have a heart to visit those who have visited our church.
Spiritual Gifts: The gift of service.
I Hope Heaven Includes: All of my immediate family; answers to all those difficult questions I’ve ever asked; great fellowship with those I’ve come to know and love in this life.
The Smartest Thing I’ve Ever Done: Besides giving my life to Jesus Christ, it would have to be the decision to marry my godly wife, Michelle; she is my faithful companion and the one God chose just for me.
How You Can Pray for Me: Pray that I will honor Christ with my life and ministry; pray that Jesus will be the focus of my life; pray that I will put God’s will first over my own ambitions and desires; pray that I will keep eternity in sight and not throw my life away for the temporal things of this world.