Poised for growth in Tennessee
 |
GALLATIN, Tenn. — First FMC is “the talk of the town” after undergoing a major overhaul inside and out. Virtually untouched since 1964, the building now has a large foyer, handicapped-accessible restrooms, a new kitchen and sound room, and a strikingly altered exterior (see before and after photos right and below).
“We serve an older neighborhood,” says Pastor Al Buckta. “There was talk of relocating, but we decided to stay here, providing effective, much-needed ministries to our community.
 |
“Throughout the renovation process, the board of trustees provided excellent leadership,” Buckta adds. And while handing out kudos, he includes his wife Evon, a retired school teacher who served at his side all 41 years of his being a Free Methodist pastor. The couple retired from pastoring June 1 (to serve in other kinds of ministry).
“In our 13 years at First FMC, the church reproduced itself,” Buckta says. What was once an older congregation now has a growing group of young families and a thriving Christian Life Club (CLC). Two members of the teen group serve in key positions on the CLC teaching team; others help with the sound system, worship music and children’s church. About a dozen families take turns maintaining the building and grounds.
 |
|
|
“We’ve had quite a few conversions over the years,” says Buckta. “Our people are maturing; some have a heart for witnessing. In Sunday services they always feel free to openly share needs, praises and prayer requests.” Growth is relational: After a member introduced him to a Christian friend in prison, Buckta followed up. The man senses the call to preach and wants to come and connect with First FMC when he gets out.
With its beautiful and fresh exterior, friendly and caring congregation, and dedicated leadership team, First FMC stands poised to show its new face to the community and to invite the whole town to step inside and meet Jesus.
