Faith in Action: How First Baptist Woodstock is Caring for Vulnerable Families
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Rick Young, Family Pastor, and Matt Lawson, Executive Pastor, from First Baptist Church Woodstock, at the Lifeline booth during SBC 2024. They discuss the church's deep commitment to orphan care and ministry to vulnerable families, rooted in a theological conviction centered on the gospel. Rick and Matt share insights into their church's journey over the past 15 years, highlighting how their work, including involvement with Families Count and ministries for birth parents, is a practical expression of the gospel's call to care for the vulnerable. They emphasize the importance of keeping the gospel at the heart of all they do, pointing to a future where brokenness is healed and all things are made new in Christ.
GUESTS
Matt Lawson is the Executive Pastor at First Baptist Church Woodstock, and Rick Young serves as the Family Pastor.
HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.
FAMILIES COUNT
Families Count is one of Lifeline Children’s Services’ impactful ministries. Families Count is a 6-week, biblically based parenting class that helps parents restore and preserve their families. With support from churches like First Baptist Woodstock, this ministry equips parents to rebuild their lives and create a stable, faith-filled home for their children. If your church wants to get involved or learn more, visit LifelineChild.org/Families-Count.
LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Rick Morton
As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!
Guest
Matt Lawson
Matt Lawson is the Executive Pastor at First Baptist Church Woodstock in Woodstock, Georgia.
