First Baptist Dallas

We all have excuses for why we can’t serve.

Bobby Etheridge has one too – a great one. A number of years ago a tragic accident rendered Bobby quadriplegic. Most would give up at that point, but not Bobby. Rain or shine, when it’s Bobby’s turn to serve as Minister of the Day, he’s here, along with a friend who can dial the phone and take notes for him.

Bobby recounts a day last year when Dallas nearly flooded and tornados touched down in places … he almost didn’t show up.

“A lady from Ohio called wanting to speak to a minister – she got me instead,” Bobby joked. “She accepted Christ on the phone with me. That made it all worth it.”

Dr. Jeffress was right when he, as Bobby’s student minister many years ago, told Bobby he had the spiritual gift of service.

“After my accident, my doctor sent me to a psychiatrist, and I’ll never forget what he told me,” said Bobby. “‘You have a choice,’ he said. ‘You can accept what has happened and allow God to use you, or you can spend the rest of your life in bitterness.’

“I hope you can tell which one I chose,” added Bobby.

According to John Cullen, associate minister of Pastoral Ministries, Bobby goes over and above what’s expected of the Minister of the Day.

“Normally we ask MOD volunteers to serve once a month, and, while they’re here, to call three to four homebound members a day, and a few of the bereaved,” said Cullen. “Bobby serves as Minister of the Day four times a month, and calls so many people each day that many of our homebound people get two calls a month.”

According to Bobby, who’s been a First Dallas member his entire life, it’s the least he can do.

“I look at this as an opportunity to pay a lot of people back for the love they’ve given me over the years.”

Bobby is currently working toward a Master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty University.

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Want to know what your spiritual gift is?
Click here to watch Dr. Jeffress' three-part miniseries "How to Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gift"

Want to get involved in our church using your spiritual gift?
Let us help you find your place! Visit the inVOLve table on Sunday in the CC lobby.