PASTORAL RESPONSE
September 21, 2025
Dear Greater New Guide Baptist Church Family,
Subject: Accepting the Call to Serve
Grace and peace to each of you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
With a heart full of gratitude, I write to formally accept the call to serve as Pastor of Greater New Guide Baptist Church. I am deeply honored by the confidence you have placed in me. Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your vote of affirmation.
I do not view becoming your official pastor as a personal achievement, but as a divine assignment. I accept this call with great reverence, fully aware that those who shepherd God’s people are held to a stricter account. This moment has come with great personal cost—and I know that the path ahead will require even more. Just the thought of this sacred responsibility humbles my soul.
I recognize the rich legacy of faith, service, and love that this church has upheld over the years. By God’s grace, I am committed to serving each of you faithfully, to leading with integrity, and to walking with you in love and truth as we grow together in Christ.
I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who participated—or desired to participate—in the voting process. I’m grateful that you voted your conviction. I love you dearly, and my prayer is that we unite in Christ—one mind, one body, one spirit, one faith, one mission—allowing God to use each of us to build His Kingdom.
I also want to thank our Board Chair, Deacon John Gilmore, for his tireless leadership during this transitional season. I am equally grateful to the board officers, board members, trustees, diaconate, staff, associate ministers, ministry leaders, volunteers, and every church member for your dedication and support.
To my anonymous mentors—thank you for pouring into me.
A very special thank you to my pastor and spiritual father, Rev. Isaiah J. Webster, on whose earthly shoulders I now stand. And without question, I thank my loving, supportive wife, Alberta Thomas, and our children—Jayla, Selby, Celine, Faith, and Takyra Beverly-Thomas—for standing with me through every season of ministry.
A special shout-out goes to my father, John S. Thomas, who prophesied that Greater New Guide would one day call me back to serve as pastor. He has been my number one cheerleader all my life.
I dedicate this moment to the memory of my beloved mother and grandmother, who always believed I would do great things for God’s people.
As we begin this new chapter, I look forward to learning more about each of you, working alongside you, and seeking God's vision for our church's future. Let us continue to pray for one another, support one another, and trust that the Lord—who has begun a good work in us—will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Let us remain constant in prayer and committed to our Heavenly Father’s business—He who has made this and all things possible. Remember the words of Jesus in Mark 9:23:
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” In other words: “It’s Possible!”
All glory to the all-wise, just, holy, righteous, omniscient, omnipotent, infallible, impeccable, perfect, loving God—through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Your brother in Christ,
Rev. Mark C. Thomas
Pastor-Elect