by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“Being in Jacksonville is just like being back home, especially the people.”
That’s one of the things Mac Brunson has learned since he moved here from Dallas and became the senior pastor at the First Baptist Church.
Brunson was invited to the post by the congregation Feb. 19, 2006. Since then, he said he has gained an appreciation not only for the church and its people, but for the community at large.
“Dallas is a world-class city. It has everything, which can be good and bad,” said Brunson. “I believe Jacksonville has the potential to become America’s most family-friendly city. One day this city will wake up and realize it’s a pearl by the sea, and the First Baptist Church is right in the middle of it.”
While the church has experienced substantial growth since he stepped into the pulpit, Brunson said that’s not his top priority.
“We have about 28,000 members including 1,100 new members who joined First Baptist last year,” he said. “My philosophy has always been that you grow a church inwardly and spiritually as well as in numbers. If you take care of the first, the second will take care of itself.
“The bottom line is we’re here to minister to people and we touch a lot of people.”
With so many church members in the community, Brunson pointed out it would be almost impossible to go to work, a shopping mall or even a grocery store without being in the company of part of the First Baptist Church family. He also said the perception that the church exerts any influence on City government is unfounded.
“Let me make something clear,” he said. “The church does not make public policy and I have never had a member of the City Council discuss a public issue with me.”
He also feels the First Baptist Church makes a tremendous contribution to Jacksonville and said one of the first things that took place at FBC after he arrived here is a perfect example. It’s an annual event that brings a panel of guest theologians and church leaders from all over the country to Jacksonville for five days of seminars and fellowship.
“The Pastors’ Conference was a great experience. It pumps a lot of money into Jacksonville and brings thousands of people to this city,” said Brunson.
While maintaining the First Baptist Church’s traditions, Brunson has also put his own personality on the institution, including his office in the Children’s Building. It’s part office, part private study where Brunson works on his sermons surrounded by about 7,000 books from his personal collection and several bronze busts of famous historical figures.
“I’ve got George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar and of course Robert E. Lee,” he said. “I’ve also got busts of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington on the way and I just got back from a trip to the Middle East, so I’m looking for a bust of Hannibal.
“I don’t have saints looking down at me while I work – I’ve got generals.”
He said the church has started some new ministries since he arrived that serve young people. The fastest-growing groups at First Baptist are the preschool and college student groups. There is even a new ministry devoted to the surfing community.
“It’s a non-traditional class, but we still teach the Bible. They go surfing in the morning then come to Bible class in their swimsuits. It’s all part of being reflective of the First Baptist Church and the community around us,” said Brunson.
The senior pastor also said he feels as if he’s found a home.
“The people of First Baptist Church and the people of Jacksonville have been a great experience. They are incredibly kind. It’s just good old-fashioned southern hospitality.
“I could labor happily and die here,” said Brunson.