THE DISCIPLE

The Newsletter of Franklinton Baptist Church

102 West Mason Street

Franklinton, North Carolina 27525

Volume Sixty-One, Issue Nine

September, 2025

Welcome to our church newsletter! We’re glad you’re here. Our goal is to inspire and encourage you in your walk with Christ, fostering a deeper connection in prayer, Bible study, spiritual growth, and our faith community. May the content of this newsletter motivate and stimulate you to draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ!



GET OFF THE BENCH

Jeremiah 29:11–13 / Matthew 28:16–20

Dear Church Family,

When I was a freshman in high school, I made the Junior Varsity football team not because I was fast or strong, but because I showed up. I didn’t start on offense or defense, but I did make the kickoff squad. That meant I got a few minutes of game time before heading back to the sidelines, where I played a different kind of role: sitting on the end of the bench and guarding the water cooler, hoping for a miracle that would get the second-string players into the game.

I wanted more. I didn’t like ending the game with a clean uniform. I longed for grass stains, mud, and a moment to contribute. I told my dad how I felt, and he gave me advice I’ve never forgotten:

“Rich, if you want to play, be aggressive. Don’t just sit on the bench waiting to be called. Stand up. Be ready. Let the coach see your hunger.”

So, I did. The next game, when a starter got injured, Coach Hendricks called out for a replacement. I didn’t hesitate. “Put me in, Coach! I’m ready!” Maybe he admired my initiative or maybe he’d just watched Rudy, but he sent me in. I didn’t know all the plays, but I knew I wanted to be in the game.

That moment taught me something: if you want to contribute, you have to know the game plan.

The same is true in the church. If Franklinton Baptist is going to play a vital role in God’s Kingdom work, we need to know His plan and we need to be ready to step into it. As Jeremiah reminds us, God has plans for His people, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. But those plans aren’t passive. Verse 13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” God’s game plan requires our pursuit, our participation, our passion.

When Pam and I arrived at FBC over 17 months ago, we were struck by how seriously this church family takes its calling. But being the Church isn’t just about showing up on Sundays. It’s about stepping onto the field, into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and relationships with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

That’s why we gather weekly: to be equipped and encouraged for Kingdom work. As Matthew 28 reminds us, Jesus didn’t commission us to sit in pews. He sent us to go and make disciples of all nations. That’s our playbook. That’s our purpose.

Rick Warren puts it plainly: “Neither past nor future generations can serve God’s purposes in this generation. Only we can.” And we must. Because while many churches huddle around strategies for numerical growth, we know that true growth begins with discipleship. The more we grow spiritually, the more we’ll reflect Jesus and the more we’ll be compelled and equipped to lead others to Him.

So, let’s get off the bench. Let’s seek God’s plan with all our hearts. Let’s be a church that doesn’t just watch the game. We play it, with grit and grace and Gospel purpose.

In eternal fellowship,

Dr. Richard Childress 



FBC YOUTH: Leading with Faith and Purpose

On June 25, our pastor, youth, and youth leadership team gathered with hearts full of vision to explore new ways to engage our youth in worship. The conversation sparked creativity and collaboration, focusing on how young people can serve meaningfully and consistently by welcoming guests, reading scripture, offering prayers, leading children’s sermons, and sharing music.

You may have already noticed them greeting and welcoming you and our guests, along with sharing in readings and participating in different elements of worship. These roles aren’t just tasks; they’re invitations to grow in faith, confidence, and community.

As we continue shaping the details, one thing is clear: our youth bring fresh energy and faithful leadership to every corner of our congregation.

Mark your calendars:

Youth Fundraiser – Saturday, October 11

      Youth-Led Worship – Sunday, October 19

Let’s show up with encouragement and presence as we support and get to know the youth of FBC. Together, we’re empowering the next generation of Godly leaders.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believer in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12



Operation Christmas Child and Christmas Giveaway

Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 17-24. You will be hearing more about this as we near Collection Week. Contact for Operation Christmas Child is Tillie Pickard at 919-495-8287.

And we're also continuing to collect gently used toys and donations of new items for our Christmas Giveaway on November 29. We are not looking for clothing donations. You will be hearing more about this in the weeks ahead. Contact for our Christmas Giveaway is Phil DiFrancesco at 919-724-3304.

A Milestone for Franklinton Baptist Church — Be There October 28!



We’re thrilled to share that Franklinton Baptist Church has been recommended for affiliation with the Raleigh Baptist Association (RBA)—a step toward richer ministry partnerships and greater missional impact.

After months of prayerful preparation and engaging dialogue with the RBA Church Relations and Credentials Committee, we’ve been enthusiastically welcomed into their fellowship. Now, we look forward to formal recognition at the RBA Annual Meeting on October 28, 2025, hosted by The Fountain of Raleigh (9621 Six Forks Road, Raleigh).

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. Meeting: 6:30 p.m.

We need a strong presence from our church family. This is more than a meeting—it’s a celebration of unity, purpose, and God’s guidance.



Let’s show up with joy and gratitude to mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter. Don’t miss it!

You are Invited to the:

Raleigh Baptist Association Semi-Annual Meeting

Tuesday, October 28, 2025



Host Church:   The Fountain of Raleigh, 9621 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh

Meal:                5:30 pm

Program:         6:30 pm

Menu:     Honey Glazed Ham, Turkey, Yams, Mixed Vegetable Medley, Sautéed Green

Beans, Tossed Salad, Rolls, Desserts, Tea, Lemonade

Cost: $17.00 per person (pay at the door cash or check)

RSVP By: October 23, 2025 to 919.231.3995

Business Session:

• Nominating Report
• Financial Report
• Church Relations & Credentials Report

Full Membership:

• Harris Chapel Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC
• Hickory Rock Baptist Church, Louisburg, NC
• Maple Springs Baptist Church, Louisburg, NC
• Roberson Grove Baptist Church, Durham, NC

Watch Care Status:

• Franklinton Baptist Church, Franklinton, NC

Program:

Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County Building Together.

Habitat Wake started in the fellowship hall of Millbrook Baptist Church 40 years ago. Since then, many area churches have helped Habitat Wake to build 969 homes, repair 619 homes and serve an additional 987 families globally through our tithe to Habitat projects around the world.

Thank you to the following Raleigh Baptist Association churches that have been instrumental in supporting this ministry over the years: Apex, Bethlehem, Capital Community, Cary First, Crabtree Valley, Ephesus, Falls, Forest Hills, Good Hope, Greenwood Forest, Greystone, Hayes Barton, Longview, Millbrook, Mt. Moriah, New Hope, Olive Chapel, Rolesville, St. John's, Tabernacle, Temple, The Fountain of Raleigh, Treasuring Christ, Trinity, Wake Forest, Wendell, Westwood, Woodhaven, and Zebulon.

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Dr. Richard Childress, Pastor

Patrick Woods, Music Director

Cheryl Hollar, Secretary

Anita Fuller, Handbell Director/Worship Leader

Danny Fuller, Custodian

Kay Mendenhall, Nursery Attendant