Pastoral Council Member: Paul Tibbetts
Our Pastoral Council consists of three pastoral staff and four lay-leaders from our church congregation. The council is responsible for the spiritual oversight and direction of CI Baptist Church. Together the council members serve the church family through prayer, administering baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and vision-casting. They also serve in various other ministries in church life.
We want to highlight these servant-hearted leaders so you can get to know them better. This week, let’s meet Pastoral Council member Paul Tibbetts:
How old are you? I am 45 years old.
Who all is in your family? My wife Emily and I just celebrated 25 years of marriage. We have three children – Ezrie, Naomi and Liam.
Do you have a skill or talent that most people don’t know you have? I’ve always had a passion for art. My initial options for college majors actually flip flopped between Math and Graphic Design – talk about your right brain/left brain conflicts. Over the years, pencils and brushes eventually gave way to cameras.
How did you come to faith in Christ? I was raised in a Christian home so God, His Word and church were always a big part of my life. If the church doors were open, we were there in attendance. If the doors were closed, we were there mowing the lawn, painting or assisting in some other way. In the summer of 1982, at the age of 7, I attended Vacation Bible School and, realizing that I needed to make my own personal decision to follow God, I gave my life to Christ there.
Where do you serve in church life? Aside from serving on Pastoral Council, my wife and I host a Life Group at our home each week – Emily prepares a wonderful meal and I lead in a time of study. I’m also involved with the Northwestern Caribbean Baptist Theological Seminary and the work of Little Cayman Baptist Church.
How long have you been at CIBC? My family and I have been at CIBC since 2005.
What’s the most enjoyable part of being on PC? CIBC is known as a community of love. Over the years, I have seen the care and love of our leaders as they have shepherded many in our congregation. Now, being on Pastoral Council, I am able to be a part of that ministry of praying and caring for members.
What’s the most challenging part of being on PC? It can be challenging at times to be consistent in our role of caring for the congregation and working for the peace of the church.
Why do you love CIBC? It is exciting for me to see God at work in and through Cayman Islands Baptist Church. Being part of a young, growing church I find that there are so many opportunities to serve and pour yourself into His work.
What’s your favourite book of the Bible? The Old Testament book of Proverbs has always held a special place in my heart. Nuggets of wisdom such as Proverbs 22:1 (“ A good name is more desirable than great riches…”) provide great Godly guidance for life. My life verse is Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."