Sunday, August 12, 2012

Answering God’s Call to a New Ministry

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,
I fondly recall the week I visited Vermont in July 1993. I spoke at a youth rally in Woodstock, led some training for Sunday School teachers, and taught at a Kid’s Bible Club in a mobile home park. It was a great week.

During that week I also visited the Washington Baptist Church, which, at the time, was down to a handful of people and was considering closing their doors. After much prayer, Kay and I felt a call from God to leave the large established churches of the Bible Belt in the South and move to New England to be missionaries. On the first Sunday of November, 1993, I became the pastor of the Washington Baptist Church. They were so small they could only pay us $60 a week. But we felt the call of God and we accepted their offer and served nearly 8 years as their pastor.

The Lord blessed that effort and we saw many people in the village of Washington come to Christ. Fifty four teens and adults were baptized during our time in Washington and the church grew to 90 in worship. The church is still doing well, for which we give God the praise.

In 2001, the Lord made it clear to me that I was to leave the Washington Church to become the Director of the Green Mountain Baptist Association. That organization serves the needs of both existing Baptist churches and helps start new Baptist churches across Vermont. Though it was hard to leave the little church in the village because Kay and I had invested so much of our lives in that little band of believers, the call was so strong; we had no choice but to obey.

In 2004, God expanded our calling and led us to start Faith Community Church in Barre with three other families at our kitchen table. Though it has been challenging to hold two different ministry roles, God has always helped us multiply our time and ministry effectiveness so that both the Green Mountain Baptist Association and Faith Community Church have grown and matured.

In late 2011, I began to feel the stirrings in my Spirit that God may want Kay and I to serve Him in some other way. At first, I pushed the calling away, after all, I love what I do, so why even consider anything else. But when God has a plan for our lives, He keeps calling us until we listen.

Through a unique combination of events, God has revealed to us that it is time for us to answer His calling to step outside our comfort zone and engage in a different kind of ministry. After 19 years of following God’s call to share the Gospel in Vermont, on November 1, 2012, I have agreed to answer the call of God to become the church planting strategist for Baptist work in the state of Connecticut. This will require us to relocate to Connecticut so that we can be closer to the villages, towns and cities where we will help start multiple churches each year.

I shared this with the Faith Community Church elders several weeks ago and with the board of the Green Mountain Baptist Association last week. I have informed them that on October 31, 2012, I will be resigning as pastor of Faith Community Church and as Director for the Green Mountain Baptist Association.

Please know that Kay and I love Faith Community Church and the Green Mountain Baptist Association very much. If God had not made it very clear to us that we were to move to Connecticut, we would remain in Vermont. But we have learned in our lives that once God calls, we have no choice but to respond in obedience. We ask for your prayers for our family as we embark on this new phase of our ministry. We ask that our friends in Vermont remain faithful to their church and association, as it is about far more than just the pastor or director. It is about each person serving the Lord together as a team. If everyone remains faithful in that, the church and association will continue to be a strong voice for the Lord in across Vermont.

In His Continuing Service,

Dr. and Mrs. Terry W. Dorsett

51 comments:

  1. You and your family will be dearly missed by all of us here. God bless on the path that God is taking you.

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  2. Laurie & Brian GrimmAugust 12, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    What a legacy you will leave at Faith Community and in the entire state of Vermont. You will be missed my friends but will remain in our prayers often.
    "Seasons change, days go by, people come and people go. Though our paths led us apart, they will meet one day I know. For I owe you so much dear friend(s), for all those treasured time. You've made me the richer one having had you in my life." - Dana Key
    Laurie & Brian Grimm
    Newport, VT

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  3. Praying for your family in this new chapter.

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  4. God bless you as you move to this exciting new ministry opportunity.

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  5. I just want to say Thank You to both you and Kay for all that you have done for Jayla and I and we will miss you both very much. You have brought us to the Lord in Inspiration more than we ever thought. I am hoping to get up to Barre before you leave to say my personal Goodbye to you. Again Thank You again and we will keep in touch.

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  6. I guess i retired just in time! You will be missed, can't see the Association the same without you.

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  7. Thank you Terry and Kay for all you have done for me and my family! We will miss you! We will pray for you both on your NEW Journey!

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  8. its sad that you have to go. You have brightened my life!!

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  9. Brooke Ashley BenoitAugust 12, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    I wish you nothing but luck for you and Kay. I'm gonna miss you so much!!!

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  10. It's already been an emotionally draining day. :/. I think I hurt Alexander Wright with the huge hug, Angelica Blair Wright's leaving tomorrow AM for SC, Terry Dorsett will be CT bound in November. ...and I have yet to see the LeFevre family. God be with me and everyone else who's day will be having a rather emotional day.

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  11. You and Kay have done amazing things in the 19 years God has had you in Vermont, and I know He has great plans to prosper you and to grow His kingdom in Conn. I know it is bittersweet to leave all you have loved, but how exciting that God has selected you to lead again in another wilderness area and bring the Good News to many. I want to stay on your email list and be a prayer partner.
    In Christ..Mary Ann

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  12. Saddened to see you leaving..happy for your new adventure...blessed to have had you and Kay in our lives...and glad that you are continuing to follow Gods call. Thank you both for what you have planted here in Vermont and we the church of FCC must continue marching on and growing because God has a calling on all of us too!

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  13. Dear Terry,

    Congratulations! But we will surely miss you! You have been tireless in your service to the Lord and the results of that service will continue to impact Vermont for many years to come. God knows best and His plans for Connecticut and Vermont must surely be to do an even greater work in both!

    God Bless,
    Ken

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  14. JR and Gloria MathewsAugust 12, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Bro Terry:
    May the Lord Bless you in the new position to which HE has called you.
    Even though we do not live in Vermont, we have invested time, sweat, tears, and prayer in thestate, and love the area and its people. I know this has not been an easy decision for you. And, I am of the very strong opinion that Vermont's loss is
    Connecticut's gain.
    Gloria and I will continue to pray for the Dorsetts, and for Vermont, and will pray for HIS work in Connecticut.

    JR and Gloria Mathews

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  15. Terry,
    You have established a model of focused and intentional ministry that has been an example and encouragement to ministry leaders across the SBC, especially those who serve in bi-vocational and smaller church settings. Glad we are not losing you to the Northeast and I look forward to seeing how God will use you in Connecticut. God bless you and your family through this transition.

    Stan Smith

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  16. I am sure God will continue to bless you both as you continue in His will.
    Hugs and prayers from the Champion Clan!
    Margaret

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  17. sounds like a great fit for you. Praise to our Lord!

    Jerry Smith

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  18. Ken sent along your email announcement--what a surprise! However, we know your heart and your life's passion.

    You've reached a milestone with your children--and that's a time for change.

    It's hard to imagine GMBA without you because that's what we've always known.

    God bless you and Kay. I know that the move may be harder for Kay than for you. I'm still adjusting.

    We know that Western Connecticut will not be the same! God is already at work!

    Thank you for your years of service in VT.

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  19. Praise God! Thanks for being faithful to His calling!

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  20. Phyllicia Leeann HepsleyAugust 12, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    Phyllicia wrote: "Before you, i did not know who god was, before you he was just a name i heard in songs and said a poem too everynight. Now, through your amazing sermons and your wonderful faith, belief and trust in him you have taught me to not only know him but have a personal relationship with him. You have taught me that when i feel alone i am never alone. The past couple of years my life have been flipped upside and backwards but all for the best, because now through you i can now see the light of Jesus Christ. Thankyou for all that you have done for me and my family, you will forever be in my heart and many other peoples as well. I know some other young teenage girl down in Coneticut will experience the love of god through you just like i did <3 Thankyou Terry."

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  21. Love to hear the news, sad we lose you. Thank you for your help in my ministry.

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  22. Hi Terry,
    You will be missed! It is CT's gain and our loss.
    Blessings,
    Ralph

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  23. Terry Dorsett and Kay Jonas Dorsett I want to take this opportunity to thank GOD for you both. Your ministry in Vermont has definitely had eternal results for our immediate and extended family. Thank you for the love and support you have been to Deeann Fassett DeForge and NicK DeForge. We will continue to pray for you and your ministry.

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  24. Wow! Terry, you caught me off guard on this one. God's blessings on your new chapter of ministry. Vermont will really miss you. So glad you are getting to stay in New England, though.

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  25. Blessings on your future ministry, brother. It sounds like an exciting opportunity!

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  26. Terry want to wish you and Kay the best in this new endeavor God has put you on plan to go on.

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  27. You Dorsett folks have been a part of our lives for 8+ years, we love you and have been blessed to the core by your lives and ministry. Praying for you guys in this time of great change.

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  28. Love you guys. :-) Thanks so much for all you have done for me and Barre, I really can't put into words how much Terry Dorsett and you have helped me. I can't imagine where I would be today if I hadn't have decided one night to go to Youth Group about seven or eight years ago. Wish I was there today, but I know you all will do great things for God where ever you are. :-)

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  29. Honored to have you come to our state to help spread the gospel! You know I'm behind you 100% and our prayers are with you.

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  30. Terry Dorsett.. my whole life you have been there as someone i could go to in times of need.. is this really happening?....

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  31. Tucker,
    Don't make me start crying again. I don't have many tears left. But yes, it is really happening. But you know I'll always be there for you. We'll just stay connected through Facebook and Skype. You've become quite the fine young man and I want to see what God does in your life.

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  32. I will really miss you. You helped bring me closer to God and for that I can't thank you enough. May the Lord bless you and your family. Amen

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  33. You both are literally one of my best friends. I remember the first time I started going to FCC, starting out, i was a little shaky in my faith. From that point on, you, kay, and your entire family have helped me maturing and strengthening
    my faith. I don't know what I would of done without you guys. You all play such a big role in my life. Terry, my good friend there to support me, cheer me up, and give me so much advice. You have done more than i could ever ask for in a lifetime. I am eternally grateful. Kay, the one who could always make me smile and the one that knew when i was upset. Youre the one to make feel comforted and like i belonged at this church. The church and youth group all play such a huge role in my life. It's the place i turn to every week to help me get through high school and the school year. Seeing you guys leave is going to break my heart. I know God has called you to this and this is his plan, but it's going to be so sad to see you guys leave :'(

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  34. Totally surprised by your announcement, but know God is leading you and will bless as you follow His leading. Thanks for all your help these past couple years.

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  35. Rebekah Faith LippiattAugust 13, 2012 at 7:33 AM

    Praying for you guys as you transition! I know it has to be a difficult thing to leave the area you've been investing in for years, but I have no doubt God has big things in store for you guys. You guys have been used to impact so many lives in VT and I know it will continue in CT!

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  36. You can be assured that Debbie and I will be praying for this new chapter in your life. You and Kay will be an asset to the folks in Connecticut I know.

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  37. Terry,
    Thank you for helping Christi and I to follow Gods call to VT. You will definatly be missed here in VT. I know you will do great work in CT. There is a great need there as well. Praying for you and Kay as you make this transition in your ministry, and praying for VT as we make this transition as well. I have great confidence that God has used you durring your time here in VT to help prepare the soil for revival that I feel is coming. I know He will use you mightily in CT as well. Blessings on your journey.
    Your friend and brother in Christ,
    Keith

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  38. Having served in CT for four years, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear you are going there. I know the state will benefit from the gifts and skills you will bring. Sorry for VT's loss, yet rejoice in CT's great gain. May the Lord richly bless you and strengthen you for the task ahead.

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  39. I am so grateful for the time we have had together, and I am so thankful that God brought us to Faith Community Church. You have blessed our lives in so many ways and the lives of our children as well. They really don't know life without your family. Nico said the sweetest prayer for you both last night at dinner. I was crying all over again:) I am praying for you, and I am excited to see all that the Lord has for you in CT. I feel the need to start planning our first Target road trip!!! Love you guys:)

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  40. Terry- You and Kay will be missed BUT my prayer is that FCC will continue to grow and the lives that have been changed will to continue to grow in their faith in GOD and they continue to carry the torch that God placed inside you and Kay and run with that vision. You and Kay will be missed but we know GOD has bigger plans for the two of you. Thank you for listening to HIS voice and CALLING on your life.

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  41. We knew that sometime God would move you
    into new work. We are so proud of
    you and Kay and know that you will win many
    battles where you will go. Put us on your new
    newsletter so that we can be praying for you. We
    pray for your church every day and will continue
    to do so.
    We love you all so much. God bless Jo and HB

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  42. I'm sad for us and VT that you're leaving the GMBA but have no doubt that you know where God is leading.
    Thank you for your encouragement and direction.

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  43. Hate to see you go but understand the call. Please keep us informed; perhaps a trip to CN is in our future.

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  44. I am SO sorry to see you go. I cannot imagine replacing you and your passion for reaching Vermont. When we reach heaven I would not be surprised to discover that you had one of the greatest impacts on the state theologically of anyone in 200 years. Connecticut’s gain is certainly our loss. I will miss you, brother.

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  45. I JUST READ YOUR MESSAGE and though it took me by surprise I also know that in God perfect plan He will send a replacement for the next chapter of the book for theGMBA. I KNOW how it is hard to step out on faith. Once you have done
    it once or twice is it easier as you go along?
    You and Kay and your entire family will be in my prayers.
    I will never forget how you and your sons and their friends along with all the other men came and gave of yourselves to help us in Montgomery.

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  46. Hi Terry,
    May God Bless You and Your New Gospel Endeavor...Thanks for all you do/have done here in VT!!
    Brent

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  47. Good news travels fast. Congratulations on the additional field that God is giving to you.
    I pray that He will continue to bless you greatly in the coming years.

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  48. As with all of us, when the Master calls, we must answer. I am excited about His new mission for you. I am also thankful for what He has accomplished through you, both in Vermont and in bringing the cause of the lost and churches all over rural America back into our denomination's consciousness. God bless you, and may the Lord build upon the wonderful foundation He has set through you in Green Mountain.

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  49. God bless you Terry and Kay,
    Answering God's call on one's life is taking a step of faith. I know God has been in your ministry here in VT and you have been a blessing to so many. Now as you travel to CT may they also see the need of establishing new churches. I know that where ever you both go the Lord goes with you. You will be missed but I know you will still post here and on facebook. God bless you for you faithfulness in answering His call on your lives.

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  50. You wer ethe best thing that ever happened to Central Vermont. We will miss you so much.

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  51. The teens miss you a lot. They miss your cool lessons on Wednesday and they way you tried to talk to each of them as they hung out before and after youth group.

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