Years ago we were blessed with having the Chinese Church of Charleston as a part of our church family. They stared here at JIBC with John and Yi Ling Pittman. YiLing was discipling two Chinese women she had led to the Lord. The group grew from 2 to 6 then 12, then 18. We kept providing them room and resources. That eventually birthed into the Chinese Church of Charleston. They were with us for years, meeting in the Fellowship Hall each week. They cooked lunch for their group every Sunday. We had the best smelling church in all of Charleston! Then, by God’s grace, they outgrew our space. They were having 100 adults, plus their youth, children and preschoolers. So, we help them transition back to our Mother Church, Citadel Square Baptist. They had a small chapel that could seat 200 or so. No surprise that I wept the Sunday they left. One of the Chinese leaders saw my tears and said with compassion “Pastor Tom, we will only be just down the street from you”. He was right, but I still mourned the necessary and positive decision to “send them out” that they could continue growing and reaching the Chinese community.
So, Scott and Lori will begin their new church assignment on Sunday, March 5. I know the Woodhaven Baptist Church will be thrilled for them to begin so soon. My understanding is they have been without a pastor for almost a year and a half. Scott has finished all his work here at JIBC. His last Sunday will be this Sunday, February 26. Three years has zoomed by and the next few days will be even quicker. If you happen to miss speaking to Scott this Sunday, remember the comforting words of my Chinese friends…”they are just down the road”. Ok, a long road, but just down the road none the less.
James Island Baptist Church is a healthy church. It is very unusual in a lot of ways. We have, no doubt, been blessed by Scott’s ministry here at JIBC. From a Pastor’s perspective, Scott has been abundantly blessed by JIBC. There is no doubt in my mind that he has never worked for a church like JIBC. He has had the opportunity to learn a plethora of things from you all. I hope, in the culture of Woodhaven Baptist, he can duplicate the things he saw and learned from you all: deep fellowship, accepting broken people, generous giving, love of people, willingness to risk for the Kingdom, etc.
When we miss someone, I think it is a craving for heaven…where we will never miss anyone again. Until that time, remember, “We are just down the road”.
Pastor Tom
PS. Back in October when we discovered Scott was looking for a Senior Pastor position, we began looking for a new Associate Pastor. We have received dozens of resumes and have talked with 5 that we have liked and are now talking with three that we think are really good prospects for us. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek for the right person to join our JIBC Church family.
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023
God Is So Good
I love the little chorus that says: “God is so good, God is so good, God is so good He’s so good to me” Another verse says “He answers prayer”. God is so good and He has indeed answered prayer for Scott and Lori Blasingame. For over 5 months now, Scott has been seeking the Lord and trusting that our good and gracious Heavenly Father would open up an opportunity for Scott to be a Senior Pastor. The answer to that 5 month long prayer came this past Sunday. Scott and Lori have officially been called and have accepted the position as Senior Pastor of the Woodhaven Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Such a mix of emotions: So happy for Scott to pursue his desire to be a Senior Pastor and so sad for us to say goodbye to a friend and such a wonderful and talented staff person. He will indeed be missed.
Over the next few weeks, Scott will be wrapping up his duties and responsibilities here at James Island Baptist and beginning his new work at Woodhaven. We will look forward to having a celebration with them on Wednesday night, February 22. You can drop in any time from 5:30 -7:30. Please be in prayer for some of their biggest concerns: the sale of their house and the purchase of a new one; and a new teaching job for Lori. I have no doubt that our good and gracious Heavenly Father will meet those needs.
Looking ahead, we became aware that Scott was looking for a Senior Staff position 5 months ago. So, we began our search for a new Associate Pastor back in October, 2022. We have looked at maybe two dozen resumes and have had first interviews with five prospects. We have narrowed it down to three that we are setting up meetings with. The position we are looking for is an Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. At this time, there is no plan for this person to be considered for the next Senior Pastor of JIBC. The position will be for a person that wants to be an Associate Pastor in Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. No doubt, like Scott, they will fall in love with JIBC and that might lead them to want to lead a church like JIBC. But that is not in the plan. I have been asked more than once if the next Associate will be my replacement. The answer is I do not think so. That is not in the plans at this time.
“God is so good, He is so good to us”
See you Sunday,
Pastor Tom
Over the next few weeks, Scott will be wrapping up his duties and responsibilities here at James Island Baptist and beginning his new work at Woodhaven. We will look forward to having a celebration with them on Wednesday night, February 22. You can drop in any time from 5:30 -7:30. Please be in prayer for some of their biggest concerns: the sale of their house and the purchase of a new one; and a new teaching job for Lori. I have no doubt that our good and gracious Heavenly Father will meet those needs.
Looking ahead, we became aware that Scott was looking for a Senior Staff position 5 months ago. So, we began our search for a new Associate Pastor back in October, 2022. We have looked at maybe two dozen resumes and have had first interviews with five prospects. We have narrowed it down to three that we are setting up meetings with. The position we are looking for is an Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. At this time, there is no plan for this person to be considered for the next Senior Pastor of JIBC. The position will be for a person that wants to be an Associate Pastor in Discipleship, Small Groups and Administration. No doubt, like Scott, they will fall in love with JIBC and that might lead them to want to lead a church like JIBC. But that is not in the plan. I have been asked more than once if the next Associate will be my replacement. The answer is I do not think so. That is not in the plans at this time.
“God is so good, He is so good to us”
See you Sunday,
Pastor Tom
Friday, February 10, 2023
How do you follow that?
Last week we shared the announcement concerning praying with and for Scott and Lori Blasingame.
I know that was a shock to most of us. When I found out back in October, I had no idea that Scott was wanting to leave his role as an Associate Pastor to be a Senior Pastor. The only advantage I had in knowing 4 months before you is that I was able to start grieving earlier.
I have consistently told Scott that he was among the best associates I have ever had. I feel like I am losing part of my left brain’s source of information and creativity. He has been wonderful to work with over the past 3 years. I agree with all who have said they will miss him.
In some ways, I do not blame him one bit in wanting to be a Senior Pastor. He has worked here for three years. It is easy to love JIBC and love the way we do church. In my opinion, he has been able to experience a church family quite different from any he has served before. He was able to love and be loved; serve and be served; encourage and be encouraged. At JIBC, he stepped into a church with a high value on trust; an openness to brokenness; a true multigenerational church. JIBC life is normal to us, but it is not the norm! I could not blame him for wanting to experience and lead a church like JIBC. My prayer is that our Good and Gracious God will grant Scott and Lori the desire of his heart.
This past Sunday we prayed for and blessed Scott and Lori. We gathered around them, laid our hands on them and ask God’s continued blessings of favor to be upon them. I know that is very unusual to pray for a staff member before they actually announce they are leaving. But they need prayer and guidance now as well as after the fact. We usually want someone to pray for us before our surgery/wedding,/big decision, etc. I would welcome prayer of thanksgiving after, but I would desire prayers of blessing before.
So, this Sunday, near the beginning of the worship service, we will pray again for Scott and Lori. I claim for them Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to continue that good work until Jesus comes again! I trust our Heavenly Father to continue to use Scott to bless that church in Rock Hill the way He used Scott to bless JIBC. And all God’s people said “Amen”.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
I know that was a shock to most of us. When I found out back in October, I had no idea that Scott was wanting to leave his role as an Associate Pastor to be a Senior Pastor. The only advantage I had in knowing 4 months before you is that I was able to start grieving earlier.
I have consistently told Scott that he was among the best associates I have ever had. I feel like I am losing part of my left brain’s source of information and creativity. He has been wonderful to work with over the past 3 years. I agree with all who have said they will miss him.
In some ways, I do not blame him one bit in wanting to be a Senior Pastor. He has worked here for three years. It is easy to love JIBC and love the way we do church. In my opinion, he has been able to experience a church family quite different from any he has served before. He was able to love and be loved; serve and be served; encourage and be encouraged. At JIBC, he stepped into a church with a high value on trust; an openness to brokenness; a true multigenerational church. JIBC life is normal to us, but it is not the norm! I could not blame him for wanting to experience and lead a church like JIBC. My prayer is that our Good and Gracious God will grant Scott and Lori the desire of his heart.
This past Sunday we prayed for and blessed Scott and Lori. We gathered around them, laid our hands on them and ask God’s continued blessings of favor to be upon them. I know that is very unusual to pray for a staff member before they actually announce they are leaving. But they need prayer and guidance now as well as after the fact. We usually want someone to pray for us before our surgery/wedding,/big decision, etc. I would welcome prayer of thanksgiving after, but I would desire prayers of blessing before.
So, this Sunday, near the beginning of the worship service, we will pray again for Scott and Lori. I claim for them Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to continue that good work until Jesus comes again! I trust our Heavenly Father to continue to use Scott to bless that church in Rock Hill the way He used Scott to bless JIBC. And all God’s people said “Amen”.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Say it ain’t so!
One of the most famous quotes in sports history is “Say it ain’t so, Joe”. It was in reaction to the news of Shoeless Joe Jackson. The saying has been picked up and used in many settings. I am adding one more today. Say it ain’t so, Pastor Tom.
Pastor Scott and Lori may be leaving James Island Baptist in a matter of weeks. About four months ago Scott shared with the staff that he was feeling the desire to not be an Associate Pastor but rather to be the Senior Pastor. Because the Senior Pastor role at James Island Baptist is currently filled, by yours truly, staying here at JIBC was not an option. So he put his resume out back in September and waited to see what the Lord might open up. On Monday, January 23, Scott informed the staff that he was in the final negotiations with a church in Rock Hill, SC. You might remember that is where he was when he came to JIBC. They will be returning to the area where Scott spent most of his ministry. What a great God to add that beautiful touch!
He is scheduled to “preach in view of a call” on Sunday, February 12. They will likely vote on him that day and let him know that very day if the vote is positive. I cannot imagine a negative vote for someone as gifted as Scott. If the vote is to call him, he will be with JIBC only a very short time after that.
In many ways, Scott has been one of the best Associate Pastor’s I have had the pleasure of working with. He has proved to be a hard worker, creative in all things “techie”; one of the most “social butterflies” I have ever known. He never meets a stranger. He always has a willing heart to jump in and do whatever was needed. He is loved and will be missed.
In a traditional church, a staff member would often be “let go” as soon as it was known they were looking to move. JIBC is not a traditional church. You may remember we kept a staff member on a year so he could complete all his requirements to be a missionary with the North American Mission Board.
So why announce his decision this way instead of waiting until he is 100% sure the Rock Hill church is calling him? 1) The prospective church could still choose not to call him. So, let’s pray for favor with God and man. 2) He and Lori need and deserve our prayers. She has a new job to find and they have a house to sell and a house to buy. We believe in prayer. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom, ask God. So, let’s ask for wisdom and guidance from our Father. 3) No one should have to make a life altering change without their church family praying with them. Whatever we are doing we can do better when God’s people surround us with prayer. 4) This is Kingdom work. It is not exactly like sending out a missionary, but we are, in fact, releasing someone who has worked with us for 3 years. JIBC is a part of the Kingdom, we are not THE KINGDOM. Scott is going to another church that is a part of the same Kingdom. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. This decision may have surprised me but it did not surprise God. He is still working on our behalf and knows exactly what we need.
We have been blessed by Scott’s ministry for 3 years. Now, we seek to send him and Lori off with prayer, love and gratitude in hopes that they will be a blessing to others. This Sunday, February 5th, during our Mission and Ministry Moments, we will be praying over Scott and Lori. Join us as we ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7), trusting our Father to continue to lead and bless. To God be the glory.
“Say it ain’t so, Pastor Tom”. But it is so. Romans 8:28 would be an appropriate Bible verse right here: “For we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”
Love you all.
Pastor Scott and Lori may be leaving James Island Baptist in a matter of weeks. About four months ago Scott shared with the staff that he was feeling the desire to not be an Associate Pastor but rather to be the Senior Pastor. Because the Senior Pastor role at James Island Baptist is currently filled, by yours truly, staying here at JIBC was not an option. So he put his resume out back in September and waited to see what the Lord might open up. On Monday, January 23, Scott informed the staff that he was in the final negotiations with a church in Rock Hill, SC. You might remember that is where he was when he came to JIBC. They will be returning to the area where Scott spent most of his ministry. What a great God to add that beautiful touch!
He is scheduled to “preach in view of a call” on Sunday, February 12. They will likely vote on him that day and let him know that very day if the vote is positive. I cannot imagine a negative vote for someone as gifted as Scott. If the vote is to call him, he will be with JIBC only a very short time after that.
In many ways, Scott has been one of the best Associate Pastor’s I have had the pleasure of working with. He has proved to be a hard worker, creative in all things “techie”; one of the most “social butterflies” I have ever known. He never meets a stranger. He always has a willing heart to jump in and do whatever was needed. He is loved and will be missed.
In a traditional church, a staff member would often be “let go” as soon as it was known they were looking to move. JIBC is not a traditional church. You may remember we kept a staff member on a year so he could complete all his requirements to be a missionary with the North American Mission Board.
So why announce his decision this way instead of waiting until he is 100% sure the Rock Hill church is calling him? 1) The prospective church could still choose not to call him. So, let’s pray for favor with God and man. 2) He and Lori need and deserve our prayers. She has a new job to find and they have a house to sell and a house to buy. We believe in prayer. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom, ask God. So, let’s ask for wisdom and guidance from our Father. 3) No one should have to make a life altering change without their church family praying with them. Whatever we are doing we can do better when God’s people surround us with prayer. 4) This is Kingdom work. It is not exactly like sending out a missionary, but we are, in fact, releasing someone who has worked with us for 3 years. JIBC is a part of the Kingdom, we are not THE KINGDOM. Scott is going to another church that is a part of the same Kingdom. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. This decision may have surprised me but it did not surprise God. He is still working on our behalf and knows exactly what we need.
We have been blessed by Scott’s ministry for 3 years. Now, we seek to send him and Lori off with prayer, love and gratitude in hopes that they will be a blessing to others. This Sunday, February 5th, during our Mission and Ministry Moments, we will be praying over Scott and Lori. Join us as we ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7), trusting our Father to continue to lead and bless. To God be the glory.
“Say it ain’t so, Pastor Tom”. But it is so. Romans 8:28 would be an appropriate Bible verse right here: “For we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”
Love you all.
Pastor Tom
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