On the second Sunday of February in 1980, while t he music world was listening to Michael Jackson’s, “Rock with Me”, The Captain and Tennille’s, “Do That to Me One More Time”, and Fleetwood Mac’s, “Sara”, a 28 year old pastor and his wife in Warner Robins, GA were conducting the first service at a small storefront church.
Eight hundred and twenty-four miles away in Detroit, MI, six year old Tolan J. Morgan, the youngest of six children born to Pastor Tommie L. Sr. and Hattie Morgan, was being raised in the “training and instruction of the Lord.”
Yet geography and the twenty-two year age difference that separated them could not impede, circumvent nor obstruct their divine destiny. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5.
Isn’t it amazing how God unfolds His divine plan before our very eyes! He has allowed all of us to have front row seats to the amazing work He began in February 1980 and is continuing today.
Fast forwarding from 1980 to 2008 we discover the young storefront pastor is now a fifty-seven year old visionary:
“Our vision has been made plain. We must construct a new worship center, and prepare for a harvest of souls. There is a new generation of people waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. As leaders in our community we must prepare now, by sowing our time, talents and gifts. It is impossible to reap a harvest if we do not sow. We must reach many more souls for Christ, touch many more lives, heal marriages, and develop Christ like relationships. This is the reason for our existence, and is an integral part of our mission statement. This is the foundation of the vision for this house.” Pastor Willie L. Reid, Sr. God First, Building on His Glory.
If you look closely at our founder’s vision statement you’ll find few words about land and buildings, but an abundance of words focused on reaching “a new generation of people waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.” The vision vividly placed a new worship center on a partial of land, but that would only serve as a tool for ministry. All those who entered in would receive Words that would change not only their lives, but also the lives of those they encountered. But isn’t that The Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20) clothed in a workable garment? I submit the vision was not a new message for the Fellowship Family but the same message/vision Christ gave to His disciples only clothed in 21st century garments. The vision challenged us to prepare for a harvest by first being actively engaged in ministry.
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV. May of 2012 brought closure to a season at FBBC. The visionary had “fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.” What a wonderful past to be cherished and celebrated!
But at that point most wondered what would happen to the vision and who would lead us? Enter divine destiny!
Like Moses, God had been preparing the youngest of six Morgan children for 40 years. And at age 40 the youngest of the six embraced his divine assignment:
“We sit in time looking toward eternity, but God sits in eternity looking into time. Thus God knows what will happen in our lives before we do because He has arranged ‘kairos’ (set time) in ‘chronos’ (measured time). He picks a set time in chronological time to actualize certain events that define our lives. I experienced such a ‘kairos’ moment on Sunday, February 22, 2015 when the Fellowship Bible Baptist Church of Warner Robins, GA affirmed me as their second pastor in the church’s history. What a day that was! I was affirmed as pastor of FBBC one year later on the exact date that I had laid my father, the late Pastor Tommie L. Morgan, Sr. to rest, February 22, 2014. Between the mourning and the merriment of 2/22/15, this was clearly a divine work in progress.” Pastor Tolan J. Morgan, Sr. “A Note From the Pastor, Pastoral Installation (May 31, 2015)
Pastor Morgan’s opening statement to the FBBC Family left no doubt that he has been divinely appointed to carryout God’s vision (The Great Commandment) by leading us to an active engagement in ministry. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6.
“To the Fellowship Bible Church family, there’s more work to do. There are more souls to be saved. There are more places in which to take God’s Kingdom in Middle Georgia. There are more families in need of healing and restoration. So you know what we got to do. Keep ‘The Ship’ sailing! ALL ABOARD!! LET’S GO!!.” Pastor Tolan J. Morgan, Sr. “A Note From the Pastor, Pastoral Installation (May 31, 2015)
What a wonderful future to fulfill!
Written by Henry Hopson Jr.