Letter from Kenny Lamm

Over 23 years ago, I came here as a young man right out of seminary, following God's call to serve as minister of music at this fine church.  You were bold to take on such a person with little experience and lots of dreams.

We have journeyed together with God to places very new to this church-places that have stretched me considerably and have caused me to put my faith in God time after time.  We have seen exciting changes as God has led us in the areas of worship, and more recently -- missions.

A few months ago, due to several circumstances, I began really struggling with my calling-not to ministry, but to place.   I had begun questioning whether I should remain at Front Street-perhaps there is someone else who may be better suited for this church to move it where God wants; perhaps there is a place somewhere else that God wants me to serve; or perhaps God wants to do something through me as I continue my work at Front Street.  I began sincerely to seek God's direction.   

As I began to work through this struggle, during one of my quiet times with God, I told Him that I earnestly want to do whatever He wants with me-I surrendered myself to Him--completely.  I told Him I wanted to be used by Him in whatever way He could best use me for His kingdom purposes.  

I thought I would have a couple of years to try to figure out God's will for my future.  But I have to say to you, that the weeks that followed that commitment to God are nothing short of miraculous.  I hope to have opportunity to share more of this journey with you in the near future.   God has never revealed Himself to me as clearly as He did in those weeks.   

So, I come before you today to say that God has clearly placed a call on my life to a ministry opportunity I had not even considered as a possibility or even desired, but I can say with certainty that I am following God's direction.  On June 1^st, I will begin serving as the senior consultant for worship and music at the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. 

The job is very similar in ways to the work our church has been doing in Southeast Asia.  It involves helping Southern Baptist Churches across North Carolina, numbering over 4300, to truly experience biblical worship-to worship with their heart, soul, mind, and strength.  As I look back over my life, from childhood until today, I can see God's hand time after time giving me experiences that have prepared me specifically for this calling. 

The task ahead for me seems impossible as I will need to blaze a new trail for the worship and music arm of the Baptist State Convention.  But I am so excited about the future of living totally dependent upon God to guide me and give me all I need for the work.

In following God's clear call on my life, I must resign from my position as Missions & Worship Pastor of Front Street Baptist Church.  My last Sunday serving in this capacity will be May 23^rd.  Our family will continue to live in Statesville for several months as we transition to the area around Cary.

This message today comes with the joy of confidently knowing God's will for my future, but it also comes with intense, heartfelt grief-separating from our Front Street family whom we love so deeply.  Sandy, Kevin, Katie, and I truly love you.

As I look back over these years, I realize we have shared in many joys and celebrations, and we have also shared in a lot of grief and pain. You are truly our family.  You have helped us through some very dark days in our lives, and you have celebrated many victories as well.  You have helped us raise our two children and helped give them a godly imprint for eternity.  You have continually showed us unconditional love and grace.  And for these things, we are eternally grateful.

This is not a farewell.  I expect us to cross paths often.  I hope to involve many of you in the missions of equipping churches throughout the state and even the world to worship our God wholeheartedly.  I expect to see many of you participating in state worship and music events.  Our family hopes to worship with you in this place many times in the future.  In many ways, I will be an extension of Front Street's ministry as you send me to the mission field of NC. 

I expect to shed a lot of tears in the coming weeks as we close this chapter in our lives.  I praise God for you and all He has done through you these years we have served together.  To God be the glory great things He has done.

Thank you.

How to Become Part of the Front Street Family

First, we would like to thank you for your interest in Front Street.  Before becoming a member, we feel that you should truly understand our heart and vision before you join our church family, and the new member's class is designed to help you have a clear understanding of your new church family.

Please note that you are not required to join Front Street after attending the New Member's Class.  In fact, you will not be pressured in any way to join.  We want to encourage you to continue to seek God's will on whether He desires for you to plant your life here with us.

The new member's class is a four week class, held during the Sunday School hour.  The next class will be held in June.  Those dates for the adult class or for the children's class are June 6, 13, 20 and 27.  To sign up for the adult class (which includes youth), or to sign your child up for the children's class, please contact the church office at (704) 872-7623 or email Pastor Tim at tim@frontstreet.org.