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I am delighted to introduce Fernando Pacheco as the Minister of Students at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church! Fernando will officially begin his ministry with us on August 16, though it is likely you will see him and his family around Snyder before then. When you do, please take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome them to our church family.
I first met Fernando several months ago through Vince Garcia. From our very first conversation, I was impressed. His character, humility, love for Christ, and genuine passion for students were immediately evident. As I got to know him better throughout the search process, that initial impression only deepened. Fernando possesses a rare combination of spiritual maturity, leadership ability, theological training, and ministry experience that makes him uniquely suited to lead and disciple the students of Snyder Memorial.
Fernando brings strong theological and pastoral preparation to this role. He holds a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Talbot School of Theology. In addition to his formal education, he has served in a church-planting ministry, giving him valuable experience in evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and ministry growth.
Fernando also has deep roots within our local community. He currently serves as chaplain for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball team and has spent years ministering to teenagers connected to Fort Bragg. Before entering vocational ministry, he served honorably for eight years in the United States Marine Corps. These experiences have shaped him into a leader who connects naturally with students and families from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experiences.
His ministry experience with students is equally impressive. Fernando has successfully recruited, trained, and led volunteer teams, developed discipleship pathways for students, and organized camps, retreats, mission opportunities, and outreach events. He has also participated in mission work in India, China, Uganda, and Nicaragua, giving him a global perspective on the Great Commission and helping students understand their role in God’s work around the world.
Most importantly, Fernando loves Jesus, loves students, and desires to see young people become lifelong followers of Christ. Throughout the search process, our Student Minister Search Committee, Personnel Committee, ministerial staff, and Deacon Body gained tremendous confidence that God has led us to the right person for this important role.
We are excited to welcome Fernando and the Pacheco family to Snyder and look forward to what God will do through their ministry in the years ahead.
Looking Forward,
Blake
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