Contact: Nicole Basci, 361-779-8797
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 11, 2016 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Community Bible Church (CBC), an interdenominational mega-church, has announced the transition of CBC founder and Lead Pastor Robert Emmitt into a new role as Pastor Emeritus, while Ed Newton (photo) has been selected to serve as the new Lead Pastor. This transition will take place over the next several months.
In 1990, while on a mission in Costa Rica, the Lord gave Robert Emmitt the vision for a new, interdenominational church where people from all backgrounds and experiences would be welcome. Shortly after Robert and his wife Julie returned to Texas, CBC was created and has since been embraced worldwide: each week, more than 27,000 people attend CBC's campus in San Antonio and online church, which reaches more than 150 countries.
"I am enormously proud of all that we are building together in His name, and I will continue to be an active part of the CBC community while handing over day-to-day leadership to the energetic, very capable and dedicated Ed Newton," Robert Emmitt said. "We are a grace and truth church. Grace means everyone is welcome and truth means we trust Jesus, read the Bible and do what it says. The next chapter in our story will remain focused on what matters: our collective commitment to Christ and a love of the Word of God."
Gifted by God with the ability to connect with various age groups, personally and corporately, Ed Newton's communication style can be summarized as 'passion with content' while seeking to inspire people to be passionate, dedicated followers of Christ.
Ed Newton was raised in a deaf world. The only child of two deaf parents, Ed was the voice in the silence for his parents Ron and Libby Newton. Through difficult circumstances and major hardships Ed was radically saved in high school. God began to show forth His sovereign will in leading Ed to Clearwater Christian College to gain a Bible education, while affording the opportunity to play college basketball for four years. Ed continued his education journey and holds a Master in Religious Education from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Pulpit Communication and Expository Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary.
Before joining CBC, Ed served in multiple positions such as Youth Minister, Recreation Pastor as well as Minister of Outreach and Single Adults. Currently, he serves in a support role as Staff Evangelist at First Baptist Church Central Florida, the Executive Director of the LIFT Tour, and teaching faculty member of Student Leadership University in Orlando, Florida. For the past decade Ed travelled the country as a full-time evangelist presenting the timeless truth of Scripture for abundant life change.
"As a follower of Jesus, husband and father of four, He has called me to serve as a Bible Communicator with a shepherd's heart to lead a multi-cultural and multi-generational community of faith that seeks to change the world," Pastor Ed Newton said. "Pastor Emmitt has given all of himself in service to God for so long, so it is not surprising that he has chosen this as his next step. I am thankful that he will continue to be a guiding presence in the CBC community.
"CBC will remain focused in our effort to reach, teach, and help in Jesus's name by strategically investing our greatest resource - our people," Pastor Newton added.
Robert Emmitt hailed the announcement, noting that Ed has been connected to CBC for five years, often preaching at CBC and its Men's Retreats.
"Ed Newton is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a happily married husband to Stephanie, and is thoroughly enjoying the parenting stage of life," Robert Emmitt noted. "Ed has the heart, integrity, anointing, education, experience and energy to lead CBC to impact and influence new communities around the world for Jesus. It means the Lord will continue to do more than we can ask or imagine."
About Community Bible Church
Formed in May 1990, from day one the mission of the Community Bible Church (CBC) has been to reach people with the good news of salvation in Jesus' name, to teach people how to live the Christian life according to the Bible, and to help people through the hard times in life. CBC gathers in large group celebrations for worship and in small groups for Bible study, fellowship, prayer, and ministry. Learn more at www.communitybible.com.
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