About Our Ministry
Pastor Rick Blythe
EGS Founder and President
In 1993, I claimed the verses in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and desired to "run in such a way as to get the prize." God has had me in strict training and years later, is still reminding me that He is faithful. God is able to provide a tailor-made way so that we can stand. I rejoice in God's faithfulness.
Pastor Rick Blythe
It has truly been a walk of grace since my call to salvation in June of 1970. Each step of the way God has provided instruction and guidance. It has been one learning experience after another. The past years of service have been full. In 1974-75, I served the Lord through the summer college staff program of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and later held the position of Area Director of Young Life of Naples, Florida.
In 1976, I completed college, married, and began my service in the local church through Christian Recreation at the First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Florida. Then after a year, it was off to Forth Worth, Texas and Southwester Baptist Theological Seminary. There I obtained my Masters of Arts in Religious Education degree and a position of service the Sagamore Hill Baptist Church in youth ministry.
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In December of 1978, we were called to First Baptist Church of Orlando to serve as their Youth Pastor and had the privilege of being ordained to the Gospel ministry. After six and a half years there and with a growing desire to focus on discipleship, I was directed to Charlotte, North Carolina, and to the Carmel Baptist Church where I received the call to preach.
One year later, God provided my first pastorate at the Mount Harmony Baptist Church in Matthews, North Carolina. While serving there, I was able to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, completing my Masters of Divinity degree in 1988. In 1989, I was called as Pastor to the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. There our faith was refined by fire literally, as our church buildings were burned by an arsonist and the church rebuilt. God then directed us in 1993 to the First Baptist Church of Winter Park, Florida to be their senior pastor. We had six very full years there, helping to develop a world vision for missions.
On April 18, 1999, I felt a release by God to step out and experience a sabbatical after 25 years of service. I was seeing a time of research and rest. This time was very profitable. I formed an organization called Encouraging God's Servants which became a platform to continue in ministry. I put a great confidence in God's provisions and look forward to His next steps in ministry.
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Walking by Grace,
Brother Rick
Proverbs 3:5-6
Pastor Rick with wife Marilyn
Statement of Faith
We believe in one God, Creator, and Lord of the Universe, the co-eternal
Trinity-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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We believe that Jesus Christ, God's Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary atoning
death on the cross, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven
where, as truly God and truly man. He is the only mediator
between God and man.
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We believe that the Bible is God's authoritative and inspired Word. It is
without error in all its teachings, including creation, history, its own
origins, and salvation. Christians must submit to its divine authority, both
individually, and corporately, in all matters of belief and conduct, which is
demonstrated by true righteous living.
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We believe that all people are lost sinners and cannot see the Kingdom of God
except through the new birth. Justification is by grace through
faith in Christ alone.
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We believe in one holy, universal, and apostolic Church. Its calling is to
worship God and witness concerning its Head, Jesus Christ, preaching
the Gospel among all nations and demonstrating its commitment by
compassionate service to the needs of human beings and promoting
righteousness and justice.
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We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for the
individual's new birth and growth to maturity, and for the
Church's constant renewal in truth, wisdom, faith, holiness,
love, power, and mission.
Our Mission
Comfort
To soothe in times of grief or sorrow by providing crisis counseling and aid in times of need.
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C.A.N. Conference (Comfort and Affirmation Network)
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Professional and Personal Growth Seminars
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DISC Profile Testing
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Conflict Resolution Consultation
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Bible Based Fitness/Health Workshop
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Benevolence (for example, Housing and food expenses)
Affirm
To restore hope through personal involvement follow-up and
follow-through.
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Bible Based Prayer Conference
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Spiritual Welfare Seminar
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Upper Room Strategy
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Prayer Mobilization Network
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Personal Prayer Development
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Regional Mentoring Program
Encourage
To inspire toward confidence
and courage.
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Developing Educational Resource
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Preaching Area Crusade and Leading Bible Conferences
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World Missions Conferences
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Vision Casting Workshops
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Operation Timothy
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Personal Retreats and Getaways