Saraí Muñiz
Editor's Note: This article is part of a series featuring the 2020 Sacred Sector Fellows. Each Fellow received a host site placement, where they are conducting an organizational assessment and implementation plan, and then will apply the “Three P’s” -- organizational best practices, public policy, and positive engagement -- at their host site.
Photo credit: fbcpharr.org
In 1913, First Baptist Church Pharr (FBC Pharr) was built, making it 107 years old as of 2020. From youth organizations to women’s societies, FBC Pharr has actively served the Pharr, TX community. [1] Within the last seven years, the church began a Spanish-speaking service and has grown to serve about 250 people every Sunday. FBC Pharr continues its strong presence in the community by building partnerships through different events such as Veterans Day and the National Day of Prayer. The church hosts many community events throughout the year, with a popular one being the FBC Pharr’s Soccer Camp. For the past 12 years, FBC Pharr has welcomed more than 20 Germans to host an annual soccer camp in their facilities over spring break as a community outreach project. Another way that FBC Pharr gets involved in its community is through their partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr. In the past two summers, the church has welcomed Boys and Girls Club students by providing transportation to the church for a safe place when they couldn’t go home.
The vision of FBC Pharr is based on Matthew 28:18-20: “Make disciples by loving God, loving others, and loving the world.” [2] Available during the new members class, individuals can review the vision and core values of the church.
As a Fellow at First Baptists Church Pharr, I will be evaluating the role of the church within the community as it relates to local, state, and federal policy. Based on the history of faith-based nonprofits and the government, I will work to create a PowerPoint to guide the church in their interaction with the state. With the church evaluation, we will work together to create a policy agenda for 2021. The creation of a policy agenda will include reviewing the current policies in place, as well as updating a policy manual which will consist of a crisis management plan.
Within the community, I will work with FBC Pharr to create a marketing and community events calendar. The purpose of the marketing and events calendar is to make sure FBC Pharr has a plan of action and something to reference as they work throughout the year. The learning goals are geared towards the work FBC Pharr is currently doing and the direction they are moving towards. The marketing and events calendar and the crisis management plan will supply the church with some guidance as they live out their mission.
[1] "Texas Historical Marker - First Baptists Church Pharr." 1995. http://www.stxmaps.com/go/texas-historical-marker-first-baptist-church-of-pharr.html.
[2] New Members Packet, “FBC Pharr Vision and Core Values.”
Saraí Muñiz attends Truett Seminary in Waco, Texas.
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