The FBC Durant Podcast

Today we have our Light of Mine Special Needs Ministry Coordinator, Deedee Gallegos. Deedee is a devoted wife to Michael, mother to Tad, autism advocate, Mighty Moms Podcast Co-Host, and ministry leader whose mission is rooted in faith, family, and creating safe spaces for the special needs community. Inspired by her 17 year old son Tad, who lives with profound autism and epilepsy, Deedee has dedicated her life to supporting other families on similar journeys. Tad is her greatest teacher and daily reminder of resilience and joy. His challenges and victories have shaped her passion for advocacy, especially in finding inclusive, understanding environments where individuals with autism are not just welcomed—but celebrated. Deedee is the co-host of the Mighty Moms Podcast, a platform that gives voice to the realities of parenting a child with disabilities. Each episode offers encouragement, practical insight, and community for moms walking through the ups and downs of autism, caregiving, and faith. Her goal is to help other families feel less alone and more equipped as they navigate their own paths. The Lord orchestrated Deedee to kickoff the Light of Mine Special Needs Ministry after her family’s struggle to find a church where Tad could be safely and lovingly cared for while the rest of the family worshipped. Through trained volunteers, a sensory-friendly room, and individualized attention, Light of Mine provides a safe haven for individuals with special needs—and the peace of mind their families deserve. Deedee believes that the love and support of a church family aren’t luxuries—they are lifelines. Through every effort, Deedee’s mission is clear—to build a world where families impacted by disabilities are supported, where no one feels alone, and where every person is seen, valued, and loved. Disclaimer: please be aware that suicide is mentioned in this episode.Follow the Mighty Moms Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pakSqo4XQnQMB9I4lnIQy?si=d50aa8c0c5db4832Chapters:0:00 Intro.1:10 Deedee's story & Light of Mine startup.6:04 Mighty Mom's Podcast.9:22 Getting involved with Light of Mine.19:56 What have you learned as a special needs parent?24:39 Autism explained.30:23 FBC Light of Mine facility.31:23 Encouragement.36:46 Outro.Website: https://www.fbcdurant.org

We have previously discussed the many ministries at First Baptist Church Durant. Now, we are discussing our men's and women's ministries as a whole. Our men's and women's ministries hold meetups periodically and these events are lead by a individuals who are faithfully committed to seeing our mission and vision fulfilled. These events are opportunities to connect further with the multi-generational church and maybe spend time with people you don't regularly see. We have men's ministry leader Charles Lee and women's ministry leader Katherine Rhynes in this episode to review the gender specific work that takes place at First Baptist Church.fbcdurant.orgFBC Women's Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1stLadiesMinistryChapters:0:00 Intro & announcements.1:24 First takes.3:00 Men's Ministry at FBC Durant.35:00 Women's Ministry at FBC Durant.47:48 Outro.

We have met with our current ministry staff in previous podcast episodes. Now, we are rolling through the rest of our ministries at FBC Durant that are not only overseen by staff, but many are led by volunteers, leaders, and servants of the church. These are the ministries of our fellowship and are listed out informationally. Previous and future podcast episodes will dive deeper into these specific ministries, but this episode provides and overview of the work that members carry out for for God's Kingdom at FBC Durant. Visit the church website to learn more about a specific ministry or pickup a Discover FBC book from the church office.https://www.fbcdurant.org/Chapters:0:00 Intro.1:00 Worship ministries.5:00 Connection ministries.10:20 Discipleship ministries.11:18 Mobilization ministries.15:30 Recap.22:04 Outro.

Creative Media/IT Director Cole Hughes sits in as today's guest to share a little of his story and his role in the media ministry at FBC Durant. FBC Durant's media ministry began in 1983 and continues to leverage the use of technology for the sake of the gospel. A conversation on the intersection of creativity, faith, and work. Cole explains some of his work at the church and where it fits in our church's mission and vision. Cole also speaks to some of his passions in life how the Lord has brought him to where he is today. This is an opportunity to gain a further understanding on some of the behind-the-scenes work that happens in the church and become further acquainted with the people who bring it to fruition. See Cole's page on the FBC Durant website and his personal website both linked below.https://www.fbcdurant.org/cole-hughes-biohttps://www.colehughes.co/Chapters:0:00 Intro.0:51 First takes.10:52 Cole's testimony.19:54 Cole's role at FBC Durant.25:55 Creativity and faith.35:14 Biblical principals to follow.39:11 Outro.https://www.fbcdurant.org/

Our Hispanic Ministry Coordinator Guillermo Garcia joins the show to share his testimony and talk about our Hispanic Ministry. Guillermo is from Barquisimeto, Venezuela and served there as a minister for many years before moving to Durant. Our Hispanic Ministry exist as part of our church's mission and vision to glorify God and see every person, including Spanish speakers in our community, progress along the path to spiritual maturity. If you speak Spanish, we have a place for you to be around a church family that speaks your native language. We also offer live translation during our 11:15AM worship service every week which Guillermo refers to in this episode. If you are interested in viewing this episode with Spanish subtitles, please view on YouTube, toggle on YouTube's closed captions (CC), and select Spanish as your preferred language. Visit the links below to learn more about Guillermo and our Hispanic Ministry at FBC Durant.Nuestro Coordinador del Ministerio Hispano Guillermo García se une al programa para compartir su testimonio y hablar sobre nuestro Ministerio Hispano. Guillermo es de Barquisimeto, Venezuela y sirvió allí como ministro durante muchos años antes de mudarse a Durant. Nuestro Ministerio Hispano existe como parte de la misión y visión de nuestra iglesia de glorificar a Dios y ver a cada persona, incluidos los hispanohablantes en nuestra comunidad, progresar en el camino hacia la madurez espiritual. Si habla español, tenemos un lugar para que esté rodeado de una familia de la iglesia que habla su idioma nativo. También ofrecemos traducción en vivo durante nuestro servicio de adoración de las 11:15 a. m. cada semana, al que Guillermo se refiere en este episodio. Si está interesado en ver este episodio con subtítulos en español, véalo en YouTube, active los subtítulos (CC) de YouTube y seleccione español como su idioma preferido. Visite los enlaces a continuación para obtener más información sobre Guillermo y nuestro Ministerio Hispano en FBC Durant.www.fbcdurant.org/guillermo-garcia-biowww.fbcdurant.org/hispanic-ministry-ministerio-hispanohttps://youtu.be/sVdgOnWmkN4www.fbcdurant.org/Chapters:0:00 Intro.0:45 First takes.6:40 Guillermo's journey to the USA.11:50 Guillermo's work in Venezuela.18:20 Guillermo's testimony.26:14 FBC Hispanic Ministry.40:00 A word to the local Hispanic community.44:00 Closing prayer.45:40 Outro.

To round out our discipleship pathway and meet with each respective staff member assigned to lead our church's vision, we have Dustin Searles. Dustin is our Pastor of Mobilization and College and speaks on both of these roles. We also get to hear about Dustin's life and call to ministry. Dustin currently leads our Refuge service praise band team in which Garrett and Cory are both members. Enjoy this fun conversation and be encouraged to progress along the path to spiritual maturity laid out in episodes 12 through 15 - worship, connection, discipleship, and mobilization.www.fbcdurant.org/dustin-searles-bioChapters:0:00 Intro.0:34 First takes.7:40 Dustin's testimony.17:20 Journey from youth ministry to college & mobilization at FBC Durant.27:19 Goals in college ministry.36:13 Goals in missions.42:35 Ways to be involved.53:49 Outro.www.fbcdurant.org

The third pillar of our discipleship pathway is discipleship. We long to see every person grow deeper in their understanding of the Scriptures and the Savior. Journey groups (J-groups) are our practice of doing this. J-groups are designed to move believers along the pathway of discipleship in very small, gender-specific groups over a specific time frame with a specific course of study. Today's guest, Jim Hodson, is here to share more about J-groups and the importance of discipleship in our lives. Jim is our Pastor of Discipleship & Member Care and has been at FBC Durant since 2010. Jim also shares his story and call to ministry. If you are interested or have more questions about J-groups then please contact us!https://www.fbcdurant.org/jim-hodson-biohttps://www.fbcdurant.orgChapters:0:00 Intro.0:50 First takes.4:45 Jim's testimony.9:40 What is discipleship?10:50 What does scripture say about discipleship?14:45 Our experiences with discipleship.20:20 How can you be involved in discipleship at our church?26:30 Our J-group experiences.47:16 Is J-group the right next step for you?49:40 Who has discipled us?57:00 Outro.

To continue our series on the pillars of our discipleship pathway, we are joined by Sebastian Conner (Pastor of Connection & Students) and Esme Garcia (Girls Ministry Assistant). Esme shares her testimony and how she connected to FBC Durant. Sebastian further expands on his experience in church as it relates to linking with the people God puts around you. We long to see every person connected to the people and ministries of our fellowship. LIFE Groups are a key component for diving further into fellowshipping at FBC. In addition to LIFE groups, we have a large variety of other adult studies and ministries, age-graded ministries, ministries of compassion, and a myriad of other similar opportunities.https://www.fbcdurant.orgChapters:0:00 Intro.1:00 First Takes.10:00 Esme's testimony.24:50 All about connection.38:18 FBC ministries & engagement.52:43 Outro.

To kick off 2025 our Pastor of Worship & Administration, Ken Bartholomew, sits down with us to discuss the act of worship and why it's important to him. Ken has served at several churches throughout his ministry career and has been at FBC Durant since 2003. Today we hear about Ken's path to salvation which ultimately led him to lead worship in church for many years. Worship is the first pillar of our discipleship pathway and the entryway to becoming spiritually mature.https://www.fbcdurant.org/ken-bartholomew-bioChapters:0:00 Intro2:00 First takes.5:00 Ken's testimony.15:50 What is worship?26:20 Traditional & contemporary worship.40:54 The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma.44:40 Church administration.53:11 Have you ever experienced burnout?55:00 The act of leading worship.1:05:47 Hymns.1:11:13 Outro.

Danny Torres is the Pastor of Swerve Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Swerve Church is a mission partnership of FBC Durant and we are blessed to get to work with them. Danny talks about his life and their mission to love their neighbors. Listen and learn what it’s like to go on the New York mission trip and mobilize your life for the sake of the gospel. Visit the link below to learn more about Swerve Church.https://www.fbcdurant.org/mobilization-national-partnershipsChapters:0:00 Intro2:47 Favorite Christmas song and movie.6:30 Our connection to Swerve Church.10:30 Danny Torres testimony.25:05 What does the mission trip to Bushwick, Brooklyn look like?28:34 What is the need in Bushwick?32:37 Caring and sharing the gospel.37:41 Danny's encouragement to FBC Durant.40:54 Prayer and thanksgiving.48:08 Outro.