First Baptist Church LaVergne, a once-thriving congregation, faced significant challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial difficulties and internal divisions led to a decline in membership and overall vitality. Seeking a path forward, the church partnered with New Vision Baptist of Murfreesboro and merged with Las Americas Iglesia Bautista, a growing Hispanic church from Franklin, Tennessee.
Under the leadership of Pastor Nathan Velasquez, the newly formed LaVergne Community Church has embraced diversity and inclusion. The church now offers services in English and Spanish, with additional congregations for Arabic, Haitian, and Nigerian members. The leadership team reflects this diversity, with both English and Spanish-speaking individuals serving as deacons.
“Everything starts with a call from God. Why? Because the Gospel is for everyone,” says Pastor Velasquez.
Pastor Velasquez attributes the church’s transformation to a divine calling. He believes that the Gospel is for everyone and that God empowers those who answer His call. He encourages other churches considering a similar path to discern God’s will and seek partnerships that align with their mission.
Pastor Velasquez emphasizes the importance of Christian maturity and discipleship in fostering a healthy church. Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 4, he strives to create a unified community of believers. He also references the parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. He believes his job as pastor is to continually remove the rocks, till the soil, and water the ground, trusting that the Lord will bring the harvest.
A Four Step Approach:
Recognize: Acknowledge cultural and linguistic differences.
Respect: Honor diverse perspectives and experiences.
