August 2019

One of my friends asked me the other day, “What’s next for Dr. Dabbs?” A bit flippantly, I replied, “Lunch!” He thought it was funny, anyway.

The truth is, I guess I haven’t really thought about it that much. I’m just grateful to have finished the degree, and I’m grateful for so much support from our church family over the last three years. Mostly, I’m grateful to go back to doing the things I love, the things God has called me to do: being a husband to Emily, a father to our children, and a pastor to this congregation.

In the latter part of 2014, God put FBC Hamilton on our radar, and He put us on yours. Through a series of phone calls and meetings (along with much prayer and reflection), it became apparent that God was calling us to leave home and family (with 4 children in tow) so that I could serve as the pastor of this congregation. You voted to call us in April 2015, and I started on June 1, 2015. Later that same year, I got a call (or an email, can’t remember) from the director of the doctoral program at Truett, and the door opened for that endeavor. I started the program in September 2016 and graduated in August 2019.

Somehow, I’m reminded of Paul’s words to Philemon regarding his runaway servant: “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—no longer as a servant, but better than a servant, as a dear brother.” Having been separated—to an extent—from you for three years, you now have me back fully and hopefully better than I was before. I love being a pastor. I love being your pastor. I love raising our children in this church and in this community. I’m so thankful the Lord put you on our radar and that He put us on yours! God has truly As for what’s next, I’ll keep right on doing the things God made me for and called me to do: being a husband to Emily, a father to our children, and a pastor to First Baptist Church, of blessed us through you. Hamilton, TX. Love y’all!