Defining Years -1974 to 1985
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Susan and Paul Brown |
"For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
Brother Brown began his ministry as pastor of Sherwood in 1974, with a congregation small in number but serious about their faith. They believed the Bible and were willing to follow its teaching.
During these defining years, Brother Brown laid down a solid foundation of doctrine and the people became grounded in truth. In particular, the church came to believe strongly in the sovereign grace of God. They saw that salvation is not a matter of an emotional decision, but that God calls and saves those whom He chooses.
Several church members who were to play important roles in the church came to Sherwood during this time. Brother Blain Daugherty, who later became the school principal and then associate pastor, joined the church with his family in 1984. Mark and Linda Fulton who have faithfully served in the music ministry came to Sherwood in 1985.
Although the school, Sherwood Baptist Academy, continued as the main ministry of the church, Sherwood began a tape ministry in 1979. Since then the church has sent out thousands of sermon tapes to nearly every state and to countries across the globe.
During these years, also, the church began to take an active role in the support of worldwide missions by contributing to the support of several missionaries. The church also sent out a missionary from her own congregation, Brother Danny Roten. Brother Roten and his wife Janet have served as missionaries to Mexico since 1985.
Also during this time, Brother Brown began a weekly Bible study at the Federal Correctional Institute at El Reno.That ministry continues today after 25 years.
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