Family Ministry Introduction for a New Church in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Welcome Message
Hello, my name is Randy Carlisle, and it is with great joy that I introduce myself and my family to you as we begin this exciting new chapter in establishing a family ministry here in Gulf Shores, Alabama. My wife, Misty, and I are grateful for 26 blessed years of marriage, and together we have been privileged to raise three and half incredible adult children: Emily and her husband Joseph, Joshua and his wife Baylie, and Abby, along with Rayne and her husband Jake, and their precious child Tobi. Throughout my journey in ministry, my family has been my unwavering support, and their love, encouragement, and strength have played a pivotal role in guiding and shaping this calling.

Personal and Ministry Background
I was born and raised in Alabama, spending 38 years of my life in this great state. My ministry journey began after serving in the United States Air Force as a firefighter, followed by eight more years in the fire service. During this time, God began to shape my and my families heart for ministry. I earned my degrees in ministry from Bible Doctrines Institute in Jacksonville, Florida, and was ordained and licensed by Victory Baptist Church in Millbrook, Alabama.

Over the past 20 years, I have served faithfully in various roles: as a lay youth pastor, assistant/youth pastor, and senior pastor. My heart has always been to teach, encourage, and challenge individuals to live grounded in the truth of Jesus Christ, preparing them to face a world that tests their faith.

My Testimony
I came to Christ on September 9, 2001, after a powerful lesson on the reality of hell opened my eyes to the fact that I was living with a false sense of assurance. That night, I surrendered my life to Jesus, and He transformed every aspect of my life—from my marriage to my ministry. Since then, I have strived to live by Psalm 119:11, hiding God’s Word in my heart, and 1 Peter 5:7, casting all my cares upon Him. I am happy to report that every member of my family has a testimony of knowing Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Ministry Philosophy and Purpose
My philosophy is simple:

1. Glorify God in all that we do.
2. Show reverence and respect for His Church.
3. Use the Bible as our ultimate guide in all situations.
4. Equip Christians to not only know the Word of God but to live it daily.

Our ministry purpose is threefold:

1. Winning the Lost to Christ – Proclaiming the gospel and its power (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).
2. Strengthening Believers – Encouraging spiritual growth and service (Romans 14:13; 15:1).
3. Equipping for the World – Grounding believers in biblical truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Vision for Gulf Shores
Our mission in Gulf Shores is to build a Christ-centered, family-oriented ministry that fosters spiritual growth and equips families to navigate life with faith. We aim to do this through:

• Biblical preaching and teaching.
• Offering practical, scriptural solutions to life’s challenges.
• Creating service opportunities that connect and uplift our community.
• Encouraging fellowship and meaningful relationships among believers.

Methods for Impact

1. Converted – Leading people to salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. Churched – Encouraging consistent church attendance through family leadership.
3. Craving God’s Word – Instilling a hunger for prayer and Bible study.
4. Compassionate – Reaching out to the lost and restoring the hurting.
5. Consecrated – Living as testimonies of Christ’s work in our lives.

Closing Invitation
We are excited about what God has planned for Gulf Shores and would love to have you join us in this new journey. We invite you to join us as we step forward in faith, pursuing a vision of transformed lives and strengthened families. Together, let’s glorify God, grow in His truth, and make a lasting impact in Heaven from right here in Gulf Shores Alabama. Together we can glorify God, grow in faith, and impact our community!

Blessings,

Pastor Randy Carlisle and Family