TEBA CHURCH AND PASTOR SPOTLIGHT: Ed Seay at Cleveland’s First Baptist Church
In this month’s Church and Pastor spotlight, we spoke with Ed Seay, current pastor of FBC Cleveland. Prior to this, he served as pastor of Magnolia’s First BC for 30 years. Called to ministry at 14 years old, he received his education first at Houston Baptist College, then SWBTS and Luther Rice Seminary, where he received his Master’s and DMin, respectively. He and his wife, Cindy, have been married for almost 53 years. They have 5 grown children and 20 grandchildren.
Tell us about your current ministry context.
Ed: The church is over 150 years old. In the late 80’s the church was thriving but had been on a steady decline through the years. When we arrived, there was a For Sale sign in front of the sanctuary; I challenged them to take that down as it communicates to the community their best years are behind them, not in front of them, which they did. We began a process called Rebuilding the Walls after Nehemiah, with a dream for renovating the sanctuary and education building. We’ve thus far raised half a million dollars toward that effort, the church has doubled its attendance, and we’re in a new season of excitement about what God is doing!
What is God teaching you in this season?
Ed: After being in ministry for 50 years, you find there’s so much more that you still don’t know. But I’m relearning that when the Lord is at work to bring new life, the enemy mounts an attack. We see quite a bit of this presently, but we believe and trust in the Lord’s wisdom, provision, and guidance while we take on the enemy one issue at a time. I’ve also learned that God’s people just want to be loved, led, and taught well.
What advice would you offer to other pastors or new church planters?
Ed: Pastoral ministry is a three-legged stool consisting of preaching, shepherding, and leadership. You don’t have to be an expert on any of these, but you must be faithful and effective in all three. So don’t neglect any of these areas of pastoral ministry; if you do, eventually the stool is going to fall over. But if all three legs are strong, God will be faithful to give the increase.
How can the churches of the TEBA be praying for you?
Ed: For the continued movement of God’s Spirit and provision for every needed resource for what he has called us to do. When we began the Rebuilding the Walls campaign, a few said, “This is not possible. We’re a small church now.” But this has become a step of faith for our congregation. If you don’t try something that is for God’s glory, that is bigger than what you can do on your own, then God is not glorified.
