Precious Memories · Pastoral Reflection

The Servant’s
Heart

A reflection on calling, gratitude, vision and faithful service from Pastor Timothy W. Criswell, Sr., Servant.

“Many people are blessed with good jobs, but I’m blessed with an awesome calling.” Pastor Timothy W. Criswell, Sr.

Always In His Service

A joy and honor to serve.

I would like to say what a joy and honor it is to be the pastor of Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church. The Lord has been so good to us and has blessed us in so many ways. Since the start of Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church on December 27, 1944, the Lord has shown Himself strong and mighty. To God be the glory.

For the things that have happened through the years, it is truly the work of the Lord. I thank the Lord for the wonderful people He has led this way to be a part of this great work at F.W.M.B.C. We have people who love each other, serve each other and labor in love.

I encourage the members of F.W.M.B.C. to always keep Jesus first in all the work we do for Him and to pray for the Lord’s leadership in the ministry of the church.

Pastor Timothy W. Criswell, Sr., Servant Lady Robbin Criswell · Timothy W. Criswell II · Emily C. Criswell

From the Servant’s Heart

A reflection of gratitude and vision.

This message is preserved as part of Fifth Ward’s Precious Memories — a pastoral reflection on the church’s journey, its vision and the call to remain faithful.

From the Servant’s Heart

It is with a humble heart that I write you today. I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude, first to God for all of His blessings, tremendous grace and everlasting mercy; secondly, to those He has allowed me to serve during my assignment as pastor of this great church.

Many people are blessed with good jobs, but I’m blessed with an awesome calling. God has called me with a holy calling to do a great work in His name. During my tenure here, I have experienced both joys and struggles. My faith in God has been my strength. I have been blessed by His favor and surrounded by His love.

Reflection is a powerful tool that allows us to see how far we have come. It also serves as a reminder that we cannot become complacent because we still have much more work to do. I thank God for the vision He has given me for the church: Love, Hope and Healing — Matthew 25:35–40.

To the Fifth Ward Baptist family, those of you who have become partners of the vision, I say thank you. Working together, we have accomplished great things in the name of our Lord and Savior — spiritually, which is most important, but also physically and financially.

I find joy in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

I propose a challenge to myself and the members of the Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church family: to be more faithful to the things of God. This means in our ministries, service, giving, attendance and worship. My desire is that we develop a strong prayer life, become more studious in the Word of God, walk by faith and live out our ministry daily.

God said in 1 Peter 1:16, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Remember, we must separate ourselves from some things in order to move closer to the Lord. I love you all with the love of Christ.

Your Humble Servant in Christ,
Pastor Timothy W. Criswell, Sr.

Matthew 25:35–40

Love. Hope. Healing.

The vision Pastor Criswell identifies in this reflection remains central to the way Fifth Ward serves God, the church family and the surrounding community.

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Love

Love expressed through fellowship, compassion, service and a church family committed to one another.

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Hope

Hope rooted in Christ, strengthened through prayer, worship and faith in what God can still do.

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Healing

Healing for people, families and community through ministry, the Word of God and practical care.

A Call to Faithfulness

Keep Jesus first.

The reflection challenges the church family to move beyond complacency and remain faithful in the everyday disciplines of Christian life and ministry.

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