As Katy Christian Magazine expands, we are pleased to debut our very first Pastor Profile. Follow every issue as we introduce a variety of pastors and their congregations to our readers. This month we feature Randy White, Pastor of First Baptist in Katy.
Pastor White has lead First Baptist for the last 8 years. Married to his wife, Shelley, since 1988, he has a full family life. The Whites have two children, a daughter, Hannah, enrolled at Liberty University and a son, Nathan, in high school. “Our son is taking his high school coursework through Liberty University Online Academy,” says White. “We are very pleased with the quality of the curriculum and the superior instruction he’s receiving.” Shelley stays busy with the church youth ministry and is also a third grade teacher at Grace Classical Academy, a private, Christian K-8th grade campus in Katy.
As a multigenerational church, First Baptist is home to grandparents, parents, children and families who are new to Katy .
“First Baptist was founded in1898 by pioneers over 110 years ago and is possibly the oldest church in the community,” says White. “Our members include those who joined in the 1930’s to people who joined just last week.”
The ministries are plentiful. A thriving preschool through pre-K program – First Steps – has a waiting list and instructs 150 young students. VBS is held annually, this year in early June, with the theme “Life in the Big Apple” for children who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade.
Singles and college ministries are available as well as adult and prayer ministries. Senior adults enjoy day trips every month. A special website, fbckatyprays.com, has been established specifically for prayer requests. First Baptist is also the only church in town with a consistent ministry for widows – the Journey Girls – which includes women who have a zest for life, enjoy friendships, and need a sense of family.
Missions often include trips to disaster-stricken areas. This year, teens will travel to Alabama to aid people affected by the recent tornado damage. Other programs support missionaries who live overseas permanently or short term in Brazil, North Dakota, and New Mexico.
Sunday morning church services are held at 8:15, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Wednesday nights are also busy. Families often come straight from work for a 5 p.m. supper then drop off their children at Awanas and teen gatherings while they head to Bible study. “People come with their Bibles and a notebook,” says White. “This summer we will be covering the Book of Zachariah in great depth and I invite you to join us!”
Church members undertake a yearly trip to the Holy Land, as well. “This summer we’ll travel to Israel June 13 – 23. It is a very meaningful journey, both culturally and spiritually,” says White.
First Baptist is located at 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy, TX 77494. The church office phone number is 281-391-1100. Check out the Real Stories of Faith at www.fbckaty.com and refer to the website for scores vibrant ministries (too numerous to mention) offered at this church community.
