Dutton Update

I was given permission to post this letter from Mark Dutton. It is a great explanation of the things that are happening in their lives and may help to clear up any questions by people who were not able to attend last night's church service.


After much prayer and 18 years of ministry at Faith Baptist Church, I believe it is the Lord’s will for me to pursue a Senior Pastoral position. It has been my privilege to work under godly men like our former Senior Pastor, Bill Goode, and our current Senior Pastor, Steve Viars who has helped me to grow in areas of my life and ministry in ways I never imagined. I truly thank the Lord for these men and their influence in my life. The Lord has also used Bob Smith, and a host of others key leaders, who have strongly impacted my life and challenged me in my walk with Christ.

I’ve been praying about this transition for a long time and have tried to allow God’s Word to guide me. In fact, the Lord has been preparing me for this opportunity since September of 1989 when Laurie and I first came to Faith. I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me here in Lafayette, but I believe it’s time to “cross the Jordan” (Joshua 1) and move ahead for the glory of God! In fact, one of our Core Values as a church is “Strengthening Others” – that would include other local churches that could benefit from the teaching and ministry philosophy that God has provided at Faith Baptist.

The Lord has been so gracious and blessed the ministry here at Faith, but the principle of stewardship (Luke 12) motivates me to take the things I’ve learned and apply them to the kingdom work of Christ in another church, community, and city. You know the phrase that says, “to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). I believe that in order to give a good account at the Judgment Seat of Christ, this transition is important and the timing strategic.

I would like to ask you to pray for the ministry here at Faith as we undergo this transition over the next few months. I would also like to ask you to pray for the following requests:
1) For a church that would be a ‘good fit’ for me, given the philosophy and training I’ve received here at FBC. I would like to hit the ground running, if you know what I mean, but I’m open to whatever God wants.
2) For a timely transition – I would like to have this decision made in the next two to three months for the sake of our church family to stay focused on the ministry here, and for my family (especially the kids and the transition to another school).
3) For the sale of our house in a timely manner. We live at 308 Brookfield Dr., a subdivision next to FBC – 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a large backyard, a storage shed, and a real man’s fireplace (i.e. real wood – not gas!), and a deck in the back!

If you are aware of a church that is currently looking for a Senior Pastor, and you sincerely believe that I would be a good fit to provide pastoral leadership to the ministry, please let me know or pass my name on to them and ask that they contact me for a resume.

Thank you for your help and for your prayers. I appreciate your friendship and for your willingness to be a tool in God’s plan for my future ministry.

Reaching New Heights!
Mark