& your guide to midlink - Houston's First Baptist Church

Spring 2013 

milestones 

& your guide to midlink 

connect with us 

HoustonsFirst.org • 713.681.8000

In the story of the two men on the road to Emmaus, these devoted disciples of Jesus Christ get so caught up in the emotional events of 

the day that they fail to recognize the resurrected Messiah right there in their midst, traveling along with them. 

As we navigate the highway of modern-day life, we often make the same mistake. Jesus keeps His promise never to leave us or forsake us on 

the side of the road, but we sometimes miss His abiding presence as we traverse the bumps and curves of the path He’s placed us on. 

“ Set up road markers for yourself; establish signposts! Keep the highway in mind, the way you have traveled.” 

Jeremiah 31:21 (HCSB) 

The journey of life is filled with critical junctions that require spiritual foresight and planning. Through Christ, our ultimate Travel Guide, we’re 

able to see the mile markers that notify us of the checkpoints ahead. He’s even left us a road map that prepares us for what we’ll find there. 

“ Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” 

Psalm 119:105 (HCSB) 

Recognizing that God’s Word is the key map to spiritual growth and development, Houston’s First is excited to help you fully utilize the Bible as a 

compass for life. This spiritual navigation system is called Milestones. 

Milestones is a framework for how Houston’s First’s programs and ministries can take the Bible’s principles of spiritual development and apply 

them to ten landmark events: Birth of a Child, Graduation, Purity for Life, Adolescence, Adulthood, Biblical Manhood, Biblical Womanhood, 

Covenant Marriage, Giving Life Away & Faith Overcoming Loss. 

Each of these life stages is represented by a different icon in church publicity, alerting you of programs, seminars and activities specifically 

targeted to your spot in life. Throughout this guide, you’ll also find meaningful ways to symbolize and celebrate these once-in-a-lifetime 

milestones, even as you look ahead to the next stop along the journey. 

“ So they said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us’” 

Luke 24:32 (HCSB) 

It is the prayer of Houston’s First’s leadership that as your eyes are opened to reveal the One who makes sense of the milestones on the highway 

of life, you’ll no doubt feel your heart burning with the assurance that Jesus is indeed the King of the road. 

For more info about Milestones at Houston’s First, visit us online at HoustonsFirst.org/Milestones. 

Events preceded by a period of instruction which celebrate 

significant development points in a person’s life 

BIRTH of a child 

ESSENTIAL COURSE 

MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers – Women 

Every 1st & 3rd Wed 

Jan 9–May 15 @ 9a–Noon — Reception Rm 

T Heather Golden 

C Haylee.Pearson@HoustonsFirst.org 

MOPS is for mothers of children ages birth to kindergarten. 

Join us for food, fellowship, discussion and craft time. 


PreParent Commitment Meeting – Preschool 

5 Options: Sun, Jan 13, Feb 17, May 5, Sep 8 & Nov 3 

@ 4– 4:45p — Rm 201 (Heartland) 

T Melinda Scurlock 

C Laura.Wallace@HoustonsFirst.org 

Only open for families participating in Parent Commitment; 

pre-registration through the Preschool office is required. This class 

introduces families to the policies of our Preschool and Kindergarten 

Ministry, the meaning of the Parent Commitment Service and 

helpful resources for new families. 


Motherwise @ The Loop – Women 

Every Tue, Jan 15–Mar 19 @ 9:30a–12:15p — Rm 249 

T Amy Cullins 


For eight weeks, you will take a journey into God’s Word to discover 

the fullness and freedom you can experience as a woman and 

as a mother. 


Parenting by Design – Churchwide 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Mar 27 @ 6:30–8:30p — Rm 263 

T Gary & Ann Zallar 

C Noelle.Carpenter@HoustonsFirst.org 

For parents with children of all ages. Learn how to use real-life 

experiences to help kids realize the value of a relationship with God. 

MILESTONE EVENT 

Parent Commitment – Preschool 

5 Options: Sun, Jan 20, Feb 24, May 19, Sep 15 & Nov 10 

@ 4:45–5:30p — Chapel 

C Laura.Wallace@HoustonsFirst.org 

The Parent Commitment service is available to members 

of Houston’s First at which they publicly express their desire 

as parents to raise their child in a Christian home. 

Registration required at HoustonsFirst.org/PreschoolEvents. 

GRADUATION 


Senior Celebration – Students 

Sun, May 5 @ 12:15–2:15p — Fellowship Center 

T HUB Staff 

C Susan.Newman@HoustonsFirst.org 

Luncheon for graduating seniors and their families. 

purity for life 


Purity Ceremony – Students 

Sun, Feb 10 @ 4:15–5:15p — Chapel 

T HUB Staff 


Formal purity ceremony for participating families from 

Passing on Purity Milestone course. Students wishing to 

renew a purity pledge are encouraged to participate as well. 


Purity Seminar – Students 

Sun, Feb 24 @ 12:15–2:45p — Rm 362 

T Zac Hufty 


This course is designed to assist parents in passing on the 

value of purity to their son or daughter. Culminates into the 

Purity Ceremony in 2014. 

adolescence 


Parenting by Design – Churchwide 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Mar 27 @ 6:30–8:30p — Rm 263 

T Gary & Ann Zallar 


For parents with children of all ages. Learn how to use real-life 

experiences to help kids realize the value of a relationship 

with God. 


HoustonsFirst.org • 713.681.8000 

D – Director T – Teacher C – Contact 

MidLink Course 

(These Milestones courses occur during Wednesday night MidLink. See pages 4 –7 for more information ).

adulthood 


Precept: Sermon on the Mount – Churchwide 

Every Tue, Jan 8–Mar 19 @ 7–9p — Off Campus 

T Carlos & Debby Gutierrez 

C debbygutierrez@comcast.net 

Faith that does not compromise is promised a reward in the world to 

come, and also a life free from anxiety in this world. 


Precept: Hebrews Part 2 – Churchwide 

Every Thu, Jan 10–Apr 4 @ 7–9p — Off Campus 

T Dona Sue Garbiso 


Ever wondered how the New Testament connects to the Old 

See how Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets and became 

our great High Priest. 


Relating, Dating & Marriage: It’s Time to Decide – 

Summit Young Singles 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Mar 6 @ 7–8:30p — Rm 330 

F Steve Crain & Ken Kapp 

C Melanie.Russell@HoustonsFirst.org 

Discover the real issues in building healthy dating and marriage 

relationships. Gain valuable insight from mentor couples in 

our church and learn what thrills them and breaks their hearts 

as they mentor others. 


Living Life from a New Source – Churchwide 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Mar 20 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 335 

T Julie Mize, Bob & Debby Coffman 


According to Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who 

lives in me.” Understanding how to live from Christ as our source 

takes us to a life of dependence and peace. 


Precept: I Samuel: God’s Search for a Man After His Own Heart – 

Churchwide 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Mar 27 @ 6–7:30p — Rm 252 

T Sandy Wright 


This 8-week book study sets before us the importance of a life 

of obedience and how it’s lived out in the midst of interpersonal 

conflict. This course will teach us how to bind our hearts to 

God through the study of His Word. 


Financial Peace University – Churchwide 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Mar 27 @ 7–8:30p — Harbor Rm 

T Walter Wright 


This life-changing program teaches you how to achieve your 

financial goals by eliminating debt and saving for the future. 


Building a House of Prayer – Missions 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Apr 3 @ 6–7:30p — Rm 145 

T Mary Ann Bridgwater 

C Charlotte.Nease@HoustonsFirst.org 

Learn to reach a deeper intimacy in your relationship with 

the Lord through prayer. 


Soul Care – Counseling 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Apr 24 @ 6:30–8:30p — Rm 602A 

T Greg Curnutte 

C Greg.Curnutte@HoustonsFirst.org 

Learn how to connect with others in a deeper more meaningful way 

by exploring some of the distractions you have dealt with in life. 


The Psalms of the Faith: Joy of Living – Churchwide 

Every Wed, Jan 16–May 15 @ 6–8p — Rm 249 

D Wes & Brenda Jackson 

T Denise Munton 


Through the impassioned poetry of Psalms, we learn so much 

about God and our relationship to Him. In this study, we learn 

to walk more closely with Him on a moment by moment basis. 


Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God — 

Summit Young Singles 

Every Wed, Jan 16–May 15 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 336 

T Trent Tankersley 


Young Single Adults will discover how to deepen their personal 

relationship with God and discover their special place in His Kingdom. 


The Link — Churchwide 

Every Wed, Jan 16–May 15 @ 7–8p — Garden Rm 

T Chad Chambers 


The Whole Duty of Man: A Life Lived in Vain or on Mission. In The Link 

this semester, we will be studying the book of Ecclesiastes to examine 

the life God has called us to live, the life God has given to us as a gift. 


Time Management for Busy Jesus Followers – 

Downtown Campus 

Every Tue, Jan 22–Feb 19 @ 7–8p — Off Campus 

T Lee Hsia 

C Tiffany.Butterfras@HoustonsFirst.org 

Too busy Weary Sleep deprived The Bible offers practical 

principles for us to enjoy the balanced, fulfilling life that God 

created us for. Sessions include personal mission, 

time budgeting, priorities, margin and Sabbath. 


Smart Families – Churchwide 

Every Wed, Mar 27–May 15 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 330 

T Steve & Holly Crain 

C Amber.Willet@HoustonsFirst.org 

Family life presents many challenges; blended and single parent 

families face additional challenges unique only to them. 

Free workbook included. 


Do You Know Your True Identity – Churchwide 


T Julie Mize 


Is what you believe about yourself the truth Understanding our 

true identity in Christ lifts us above our circumstances and into the 

victorious life Jesus promises His children. 


What Does it Mean – “Christ is My Life” – Churchwide 


T Bob & Debby Coffman 


Scripture admonishes us to “Set your mind on the things above...” 

Colossians 3:2. How can I do this when my emotions and appetites 

lure me in a different direction 

biblical manhood 


The Resolution for Men – Men 


T Lee Edmiston & Bobby Lee 

C Bethany.Caplet@HoustonsFirst.org 

Using the movie Courageous as a springboard, The Resolution for Men 

is a 16-week class that provides a clear pathway for men to live a life 

of eternal significance and purpose as husbands and spiritual leaders 

in their home. 


Dad Talk – Men 


T Rick Wertz 


Dad Talk is a new study with Faithful Fathering in which 

Rick Wertz will address questions he has fielded from dads 

over the years—questions like, “What do my kids need to 

hear from me and experience with me” 


The Silence of Adam: Becoming Men of Courage in a 

World of Chaos – Men 


T Adam Mason 


In The Silence of Adam, Dr. Larry Crabb offers a fresh look at 

how God designed men by dealing thoughtfully and honestly 

with men’s ongoing struggles. 


The Essentials of Transformational Mentoring – Men 

Every Wed, Mar 27–Apr 17 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 507 

T Jim Jones & Eric Reed 


Using Christ and Paul as models of transformational mentors, 

this 4-week training time will blend scriptural principles and 

best practices to equip each man to begin a life of investing 

spiritually in other men. 


Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood – 

Summit Young Singles / Men 


T Craig Bloodworth 


Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood by Dennis Rainey 

helps men live out biblical manhood by walking through the 

five stages of a man’s journey through life—Boyhood, 

Adolescence, Manhood, Mentor and Patriarch. 






iblical womanhood 


Precept: Daniel – Women 

Every Tue, Jan 8–May 7 @ 9:30a–Noon — Rm 262 

T Laurie Tamez 


How do you live as a Daniel in the crucial days in which you find 

yourself How do you get to know God Most High Join other women 

in seeking out these answers that can be found in the book of Daniel. 


The Psalms of the Faith: Joy of Living – Women 

Every Thu, Jan 10–May 9 @ 9:45a–Noon — Rm 249 

T Marsha Taylor 

C marstaylor@comcast.net 

Through the impassioned poetry of Psalms, we learn so much about God 

and our relationship to Him. In this study, we learn to walk more closely 

with Him on a moment by moment basis. 


Living Proof with Beth Moore: 1 & 2 Thessalonians – Women 

Every Tue, Jan 15–Mar 5 @ 6:30–8:30p — Worship Center 

T Beth Moore 

C 281.257.3344 

Women of all ages and denominations are welcome to attend. 

No registration is necessary and admission is free! 

Sorry, childcare is not available. 


M&M Bible Study – Prayers, Praises & Petitions: 

Songs of the Scriptures – Women 

Every Tue, Jan 15–Apr 23 @ 10:30a–Noon — Fellowship Center 

T Carol Pierce 


Whether in hymns or praise songs, we love to raise our voices in praise 

to God. Come join us as we look into the scripture for inspiration 

from those praising God for His goodness and grace. 


Faith & Works: Two Puzzle Pieces that Bring Hope – Women 


T Sherrie Brown 


The book of James takes scripture to where “the rubber meets the road.” 

He instructs us in a wide variety of life’s struggles with few words, 

but deep application to the issues we face daily. 


Waiting on the Lord – Women 


T Susannah Baker 


Join us as we peel back the shadows and see the person and 

presence of Jesus: the fulfillment of everything we are waiting 

for. Cost is $15 for materials and will be available in class. 


Open Heart, Open Home – Women 

Every Thu, Jan 17–Mar 21 @ 9:30–11:30a — Rm 262 

T Amy Buehler 


If you labor under the illusion that hospitality requires 

Martha Stewart-like abilities, then Karen Main’s book, 

Open Heart, Open Home will free you from a load of guilt! 


Ruth – Cypress Campus 

Every Wed, Apr 10–May 15 @ 7–8:30p — 

Off Campus (Riata Ranch) 

T Simone Fleming 

C Jason.Swiggart@HoustonsFirst.org 

Journey with us in Kelly Minter’s 6-week Bible study on 

Ruth and watch how the hand of God can use one life in a 

powerful way. 

covenant marriage 


The Resolution for Men – Men 


T Lee Edmiston & Bobby Lee 


Using the movie Courageous as a springboard, The Resolution 

for Men is a 16-week class that provides a clear pathway for men 

to live a life of eternal significance and purpose as husbands and 

spiritual leaders in their home. 


How to Be More Than Married – Cypress Campus 

Every Wed, Apr 10–May 15 @ 7–8:30p — Off Campus 

T Ted & Yvonne Cummins 

C Jason.Swiggart@HoustonsFirst.org 

Learn practical Christ-centered principles to know and love your 

spouse. God created marriage and has a plan for yours! 

giving life away 


Understanding Islam 101 – Missions 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Feb 6 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 504 

T Amy A. 

C Hannah.Bullard@HoustonsFirst.org 

This class is designed to give a biblical understanding of God’s 

heart for Muslim people in order to build bridges and friendships. 


Hunt Retreat Volunteer Training – Hunt Retreat 

Every Wed, Jan 16 –Feb 20 @ 6:30–7:30p — Rm 407 

T Bill Murrell 

C Bill.Murrell@HoustonsFirst.org 

Training for volunteers to assist at Hunt Retreat as the new facility opens 

in early Spring. In addition to the five Wednesday classes, there will also 

be two Saturday meetings at the retreat for hands-on training. 


Stephen Ministry Training – Pastoral Care 


T Rick Jones 

C Debbie.Portilla@HoustonsFirst.org 

Volunteer Stephen Ministers are trained to provide one-on-one care 

to persons experiencing difficulty or a crisis. There is an application 

and interview process prior to the class. 


Perspectives – Missions 

Every Wed, Jan 16–May 15 @ 6:30–9:30p — Reception Rm 

T Peggy Meeks 


From Genesis to the prophets, Jesus Christ to the early church, and 

Constantine to today, you will see how God has been moving and 

the greatest needs in world evangelization today. Registration 

required at HoustonsFirst.org/Perspectives. 


XEE Evangelism Training – Missions 

Every Sun, Jan 20–Mar 10 @ 6:30–9:30p — Rm 253 

T Jonathan Huegel 

C Jonathan.Huegel@HoustonsFirst.org 

XEE equips Christians to effectively share the Gospel in everyday 

encounters. You will learn and put into practice relevant, biblical 

and relational evangelism skills for our postmodern times. 


Understanding the Big Picture of Life Bible Study – 

Life Bible Study 


T Ben Pritchett 

C Ben.Pritchett@HoustonsFirst.org 

Discover the biblical basis and the purpose of the Life Bible Study 

ministry and get an overview of various positions of service. 


Being an Effective Adult Life Bible Study Director – 



T Don Munton 

C Don.Munton@HoustonsFirst.org 

Directors, leaders of a Life Bible Study class, keep the class on 

mission. Learn how to take the leadership position and receive 

a deeper review of the various positions in the class organization. 


XEE Evangelism Training – Downtown Campus 

Every Thu, Jan 24–Mar 7 @ 6:30–8p — Off Campus 

T Jonathan Huegel 


XEE equips Christians to effectively share the Gospel in everyday 

encounters. You will learn and put into practice relevant, biblical 

and relational evangelism skills for our postmodern times. 


Understanding Islam 201 – Missions 

Every Wed, Feb 20–Mar 20 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 504 

T Amy A. 


Grow in how to love and understand your Muslim neighbor 

the way Jesus would. Understanding Islam 101 is a prerequisite 

for this class. 


Basics of the Gather & Grow Ministry in Life Bible Study – 


Every Wed, Mar 27–Apr 17 @ 7–8p — Rm 404 

T Larry Lilley 

C Tracie.Bowman@HoustonsFirst.org 

This class will relate principles of enlistment and discipleship 

to Life Bible Study, from the “big picture” of organization to 

“dwelling in the details” of implementation. 


Teaching to Change Lives – Life Bible Study 

Every Wed, Apr 17– May 1 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 501 

T Brad Hodges 

C Brad.Hodges@HoustonsFirst.org 

Highly practical tips on teaching, including developing an effective 

lesson plan, creating an excitement for learning by understanding 

how people learn and utilizing various styles of teaching so 

our teaching is not boring! 


Small Group Leadership – Life Bible Study 

Every Wed, Apr 24–May 15 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 405 

T Carolyn O’Neal & Eric Reed 


If you are a Men’s or Women’s coordinator, lead a small group 

or have the desire to lead in the future, you will learn principles 

and essentials from scripture that show how you can yield 

fruitful small groups. 







Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Through PLACE – 

Downtown Campus 

Every Tue, Apr 9–May 7 @ 6:30–8p — Off Campus 

T Malcolm Marshall & Peter Lee 


This class will help you answer the question, “What can I do to make a 

difference in the world” Registration and PLACE assessment required. 

Visit HoustonsFirst.org/Volunteer. 


Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Through PLACE – Missions 

Every Wed, Apr 17–May 15 @ 6:30–8p — Connection Center 

T Malcolm Marshall 

C Malcolm.Marshall@HoustonsFirst.org 

This class will help you answer the question, “What can I do 

to make a difference in the world” Registration and PLACE 

assessment required. Visit HoustonsFirst.org/Volunteer. 

faith overcoming loss 


Waiting in Hope: Seeking Hope in the Lord 

Through Infertility – Women 

Every Mon, Jan 14–Mar 18 @ 6–8p — Rm 251 

T Kelly Echols 

C waitinginhopehfbc@gmail.com 

Through the book, The Seed Within by Leah Vintila you will be taken 

on a journey through scripture and life application tools to help you 

discover the abundant fruitfulness that God has planned for your life. 


Sisters in Support – Women 

Every Wed, Jan 16–Mar 27 @ 6:30–8p — Rm 248B 

T Joanna Poor 

C jpoor2@comcast.net 

When children die, even adult children, moms are left with a 

“stomach ache that never ends.” In Gone but Not Lost, David Wiersbe 

assures us that sorrow is normal and right, while guilt and anger are 

natural but not always healthy. 


Father Wounds – Women 


T Mary Ring, LPC-S, LMST & Rebecca Hixon, LPC Intern 


“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.” 

Psalm 27:10 (HCSB) The healing of the the heavenly Father reaches 

deep into our hearts as He heals the wounds left by an earthly father. 


Life’s Healing Choices – Counseling 

Every Wed, Jan 16–May 15 @ 6:30–8:30p — Rm 602B 

T Brett & Robyn Binkley 

C Huston.McComb@HoustonsFirst.org 

We’ve all been hurt by other people, we’ve hurt ourselves, and 

we’ve hurt others. And as a result, every single one of us ends 

up with some sort of hurt, hang-up, or habit. 


Shattered Dreams – Counseling 

Every Wed, Jan16–May 15 @ 7–8:30p — Rm 270A 

F Aaron Bunker 


A book study that looks at how God will allow our dreams to be 

shattered for us to be able to catch a glimpse of what He has 

intended for us. 


DivorceCare – Counseling 

Every Wed, Jan 16–May 15 @ 7–8:30p — Rm 331 

T Danny & Cindy Davis 


Divorce is a painful life experience and sometimes you just need a 

place to feel peace. DivorceCare is a course that looks at how to 

begin the healing process from the pain of divorce. 


Grief Share – Pastoral Care 

Every 1st & 3rd Thu, Jan 17–Mar 7 @ 7–8:30p — Rm 249 

T Linda.Askin@HoustonsFirst.org 

C Jerry & Jenny Kovaly 

A support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 


Common Ground – Pastoral Care 

Every 1st Mon, Feb 4–Mar 4 @ 10:15–11:30a — Rm 145 

T Lara McFeely 

C Linda.Askin@HoustonsFirst.org 

A caregiver assistance program that provides a place and time for 

caregivers to meet, talk, share resources, learn and provide support. 


Monday GPS – Pastoral Care 

Every 1st Mon, Feb 4–Mar 4 @ 10a–1:30p 

T Linda Askin 

C Linda.Askin@HoustonsFirst.org 

Gathering Place Social (GPS) is designed to meet the needs of adults 

diagnosed with early to moderate stages of memory loss due to 

dementia, stroke or injury. Registration required through 

Pastoral Care office. 

MEET THE 

GROWING TEAM 

BEN PRITCHETT 

MINISTER OF EDUCATION 

BRAD TALBERT 

COLLEGE MINISTRY ASSOCIATE 

DON MUNTON 

MINISTER TO YOUNG SINGLE ADULTS 

HOLLY CRAIN 

YOUNG SINGLE ADULT WOMEN 

& SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES MINISTRY ASSOCIATE 

BRAD HODGES 

MINISTER TO MARRIED YOUNG ADULTS 

LARRY LILLEY 

MINISTER TO SENIOR ADULTS 

CAROLYN O’NEAL 

DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRY 

ERIC REED 

MINISTER TO MEN & NEW CHRISTIANS 

TIMES, LOCATIONS & 

CONNECTIONS 

Launching 

Mar 31, 2013 

DOUG BISCHOFF 

Next Generations Minister 

MELINDA SCURLOCK 

DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN MINISTRY 

CHAD OVERTON 

MINISTER TO CHILDREN 

TONY BIANCO 

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT MINISTER 

ZAC HUFTY 

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MINISTER 





HoustonsFirst.org • 713.681.8000

7401 Katy Freeway 

Houston, TX 77024 

Events preceded by a period of instruction which celebrate 

significant development points in a person’s life. 

HoustonsFirst.org/Milestones 

Noelle.Carpenter@HoustonsFirst.org 

713.957.7651 

For more detailed course/event descriptions and online registration 

visit us online at HoustonsFirst.org /Milestones.

& your guide to midlink - Houston's First Baptist Church

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