There is usually an adjustment time when a pastor takes on a new congregation. Jayson Hoagland and his wife Jennifer are taking on a challenge they’ve never seen before — moving to a new …
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There is usually an adjustment time when a pastor takes on a new congregation. Jayson Hoagland and his wife Jennifer are taking on a challenge they’ve never seen before — moving to a new church during the COVID pandemic.
Hoagland, the new pastor at First Baptist Church of Wright City, said his goal for the church doesn’t change, though. He intends to help the church continue to focus on its mission.
Hoagland is a native of Robinson, Ill., and most recently served in churches in Tennessee and South Carolina. He is a graduate of Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis and has a Master of Divinity degree from Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
The Hoaglands and their five children made the move to Missouri in March and settled into the parsonage near the church in Wright City.
“The church hasn’t been through this before,” said Hoagland about the COVID pandemic. “The post-quarantined church is going to be different. We’ll adjust the best way we can but still preach the Gospel. We will do what we can with where we are.”
Hoagland said the church will open back fully in June, offering its Connect groups and children’s programs. At this time, the worship service is open to the public at 9 a.m. on Sundays, but the time may be changing as the church recovers from the restrictions of COVID.
“We want to be accessible to the community,” he said. “Our ministries are still here. We are still seeing people’s lives changed.”
The church’s strategic leadership teams are working with Hoagland to plan for the future, including becoming even more involved with the community. It will be offering a Vacation Bible School June 21-24.
“I’ve never outgrown VBS,” said Jennifer, who will be heading up this year’s Vacation Bible School. “It’s my favorite time of year.”
Hoagland said the church food pantry will still be there to serve the community, open the third Saturday each month. In August, the church will host a Harvest Weekend, which will include a men’s conference and a concert featuring The Red Letter Quartet.
“Normal is going to be different,” said Hoagland. “The post-quarantined church is going to be different. The future is bright. The stage is set. We need an awakening. We will face the fears we face with our hope in Jesus Christ.”
First Baptist Church of Wright City is located at 104 Hedeman Avenue. For more information, visit its Facebook page @firstbaptistchurchwrightcity or its website at fbcwrightcity.org. Sunday worship is at 9 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study is at 6:30 p.m.
