Links

Sermon from April 11, 2010 "When the Risen Jesus Meets a Good Friday Church" (mp3)

Biographical Brochure about Dr. Baxley (pdf)

Professional Experience

First Baptist Church of Henderson, NC
    Senior Minister, 2004 to present
    Associate Minister, 1992-1999
Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA
    Director of Congregational Ministries and  Vocational Awareness, 2002-2004
    Director, Lilly Grant Proposal Team, 2001-2002
Wingate Baptist Church, Wingate, NC
    Interim Pastor, 2000-2001
Wingate University, Wingate, NC
    Campus Minister and Instructor in Religion, 1999-2002
First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC
    Interim Minister of Youth and College Students, 1992

Education

• Doctor of Ministry, Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA, 2003
• Master of Theological Studies, Duke University Divinity School, 1996
• B.A., Religion (with Honors), Wake Forest University, 1991

Selected Community and Professional Involvement

• Developed ecumenical relationships and missions partnerships with local African-American churches in Henderson.
• Executive committee member, Board of Directors, Center for Congregational Health
• Member, Coordinating Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
• Founding member and Chair, Vance County Ministers Community Partnership
• Author of over 20 hymns; one receiving the 1995 Duke Chapel Waldo Beach Hymn-Text Competition

What People Say About Dr. Baxley

“If you are looking for someone who can connect generations, it’s Paul Baxley.”- a reference
"He is passionate about his ministry with an energy level that will be motivating to our congregation." - a search committee member
“You are getting ready to love a pastor that will encourage you to be the best congregation you can be.  He will love you and you will love him.” – a reference
“Confidently expect to experience imaginative leadership, renewal, and focus.” – a reference
"Paul has an appreciation for tradition...but is creative and innovative.” – a reference
"He wants to be a pastoral presence in people's lives." –a reference
"Paul will bring a level of intellect to his sermons that will challenge the most educated while also speaking to those with child-like faith."- a search committee member
"During the week, I found myself often reflecting on the points of Sunday’s sermon. He is always well prepared, passionate, and creative in his sermons." – a reference
"Jennifer is a great person in her own right, active in the church and always supportive of Paul in his ministry." -  a reference
"He has the pulpit skills FBC has come to expect along with the heart of a caring pastor."- a search committee member
"Some people say 'I'll pray for you' but don't actually do it.  When Paul says he is going to pray for you he means what he says...he is committed to disciplined prayer."- a reference

Family

Wife:  Jennifer, physical therapist
Daughters: Maria and Livy

Insights About Dr. Baxley From His Own Words

"I believe that the worship of God is the central and defining act of any congregation. Everything else flows from worship and there should be a vital synergy between worship, mission, formation and any other ministry the church engages. In worship, we gain our identity as the people of God and are drawn into the mystery and beauty of God's grace."

"In the texts preached, the anthems offered, and the hymns sung, it is right for us to hear over and over the 'old, old story of Jesus and his love. But it is also right that we grow to learn new ways of praising God, and that we open ourselves to less familiar Biblical passages and hymns because in those ways we make ourselves available to being challenged to grow in faith."

"I have made community involvement and ecumenical partnership a priority in my ministry."

"Pastoral care and visitation are practices that require intentionality. I have a resolute commitment to visit everyone who is hospitalized if we know of the illness and often make multiple visits."

"The priestly art of leadership requires listening intently, asking holy questions, and empowering people to speak prophetically about their convictions while also listening to each other and respecting divergent views."

"Some texts produce sermons that are prophetic and challenging. Others produce sermons that are pastoral and comforting. Some texts lead to sermons that are disturbing and essentially uncomfortable. Still others call for sermons that are more doctrinal or theological.