Pastor Joe leads the congregation at Oak Street Baptist Church by first presenting himself to God, and then searching for God's will for the congregation. His heart is set on leading the ministers (members) of OSBC to be the front-line troops in sharing the good news of Jesus' love to the people of North Central Texas. By extension, he is teaching us how to become a world mission station.
Pastor Joe does not see his major role as "the minister," but rather that of an equipper. He believes that each member is a minister and can reach people for Christ through his/her gifting and abilities. Therefore, Pastor Joe's desire is to equip each OSBC member so that we can impact the world for Christ.
Pastor Joe's wife, Barbara, was a journeyman missionary to Thailand before their marriage. She is a helpmate to him in his ministries and is active in the signing ministry (translation for the deaf), hospitality, visitation, encouragement and women's ministries. They have three children: Rebekah, Abram and Peter.
January 15th, 2007 at 2:46 pm ()
Pastor Joe’s Heart
Aren’t you glad that God is on His throne all the time-even when there is crazy weather out there? This past weekend was one for the record books…predictions of ice, freezing rain, and sleet…and finally getting a little of all of that! We were really disappointed that the J-Now Weekend had to be postponed but know that God will use the “delay” to get more students ready for the “big dance”!
Thanks to all who braved the weather and were part of our “double commissioning” service Sunday morning! We pray God’s richest blessings on the Joe Contreras family as they launch out in ministry-moving to Abilene to begin training for a career of mission ministry with the Salvation Army. What a blessing they have been to us!
Please keep our Uganda missionaries in your prayers! The seven who are going are dependant upon God and your prayers will make the critical difference as we seek to make a big difference for Christ in this East African country. Remember, we are a team!
My prayer is that 2007 will be a year that shapes the future for Oak Street because it is a year of prayer. Pray, dear saints, pray! It is the secret weapon in our battle for the souls of men and our society.
Thanks again for being a great church filled with great people!
Your grateful pastor,
PJ
January 8th, 2007 at 3:17 pm ()
Pastor Joe’s Heart
This weekend will be one of the most exciting, challenging, and potentially, productive weekends in ’07 at Oak Street! It is our J-Now Weekend for all students grades 6-12! I am super excited about what I believe God is going to do!
Zack Randles, son of our former pastor Jon Randles, will be speaking and Ben Moore, worship leader in the college ministry of one of the great churches near Texas Tech in Lubbock will lead our students in Spirit-led worship! These two young men are young warriors for Christ and I can’t wait to hear them minister to our students!
Oak Street-PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! Storm heaven with your prayers and ask God to give every student a “God moment” during this weekend! Don’t let this generation be swept away by the god of this world without a fight or even a whimper from the church! This is our time to “step up” in prayer for the students! Will you pray?
Also, pray for our Uganda mission team. We leave on Jan. 17th, and your prayer support is invaluable. Five of our seven members are first-timers in Uganda and we are ready to go and share the gospel of Christ with those who need the Savior! Your prayers will make the difference.
The call of God to Oak Street in ’07? I believe it is to pray with dedication, commitment, and fervor-that the world may know Christ as Lord and God of all! Join me this year in praying as never before!
Your pastor and friend,
PJ
