FAREWELL PASTOR DUB!
Before beginning his new job with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Rev. Dub Pool sat down recently to talk about his tenure at HBC and his hopes for the new challenges awaiting him. Read all about it and then check out "Letters to Dub" in the Thoughts & Testimony section to see what other HBC members have to say about Rev. Pool.
How do you define “Minister of Eduction?” Traditionally, it’s a church officer responsible for the oversight of Sunday School programs, discipleship training, mission education and outreach activities. In the case of Rev. Dub Pool, Minister of Education at Heritage Baptist Church, that only scratches the surface. Last month he spent time scaling the church roof with Clair Morehead (HBC Facilities Manager) to remove a vent fan. HBC Secretary Sally Morehead claims Rev. Pool is the consultant for all things technical (computers, fax machines, photocopiers, etc.) On any given Sunday, you can find him teaching a class, helping with the sanctuary setup or filling in at the pulpit.
This month Rev. Pool begins yet a new venture, leaving his position at Heritage to become the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region, an area covering Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Washington, DC.
 “I’m excited about this new opportunity and thankful that Heritage has supported me in this move,” Rev. Pool said. “The best part is that although I’m taking a new job, I’ll remain a member of Heritage Baptist and continue fellowship with my church family.”
This new opportunity offers exciting challenges for Rev. Pool and new opportunities for Heritage Baptist, a partner of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). CBF is an association of approximately 1800 Baptist churches that, according to the CBF web site, “share a passion for the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice.” Its mission is to provide resources for churches and send mission field personnel to the most neglected groups in the world.
Rev. Pool’s new ministry with CBF is far-reaching. He’ll work to connect churches to the regional and national association, find new partner churches and make member churches aware of CBF resources. Rev. Pool will also take a leading role in organizing mission trips and ministry activities.
Having one of it’s own in a position of this caliber will fit right in with the mission-minded tenor of Heritage Baptist.
“In this new era of Baptist life, the CBF offers us an opportunity to be on the front lines of missions activity,” according to HBC pastor Rev. Henry Green. “This is a great move for Dub and a great opportunity for members at Heritage to become even more involved in the mission field.”
The hundreds of miles in CBF’s Mid-Atlantic region should not be daunting to Rev. Pool, who has traveled great distances in his life. He is quick to tell you that it’s 1503 miles from Annapolis to Belton, Texas- the place he calls home. As an "Air Force kid" he has lived in Florida, Alabama, Colorado, California, Washington and Italy. He received a BA in Geography (Urban & Regional Planning) in 1980 from Southwest Texas State University. He received his Master of Divinity (1986) and Master of Arts, Religious Education (1988) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. In the years following his seminary studies, Rev. Pool has completed training and/or certification in Spanish, conflict resolution, outreach and witnessing.
 After college, he worked two years on the Baptist Student Ministry staff at the University of Texas-Arlington ministering to international students. Following seminary, he served 11 years as Baptist Student Ministry director (campus minister) at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a four-year Baptist university in Belton, Texas. Rev. Pool came to Heritage Baptist as Minister of Education in 1999.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I accepted the call to come to Heritage Baptist,” he recalls, “but I was overwhelmed with the warmth of the congregation. Everyone was so friendly. I was also struck by the beauty of the sanctuary. It is quite inspiring.”
One change Rev. Pool has noticed during his term is how the congregation has become more unified in focus.
“Heritage is a very welcoming church, as it always has been. But in the past five years I’ve seen the congregation become more aware of the surrounding community. The outreach efforts have expanded and now we host numerous annual community events such as the Fall Fun Fest, Living Nativity and Easter Egg Hunt.”
Heritage’s sharper focus on community is thanks in great part to Rev. Pool.
“Dub excels in the ‘big picture’ visions,” Rev. Green said. “He brought us the idea for our new Bible Blast Sunday School Program. He organized the many successful outreach programs. We have all been blessed by his work. I’m really going to miss having him around the office every day.”
 “Dub Pool…what can I say!” offered church secretary Sally Morehead. “He is a very thoughtful and caring person, ready to help when there is a need- whether someone needs a ride to the doctor or I need help with my computer. He is a kind and gracious friend.”
“One of the things I have enjoyed most about my work at Heritage Baptist is helping new families connect through the church,” said Rev. Pool. “It is very fulfilling to see someone new come in, find a place to worship and develop their personal ministry. I hope to continue this in my new role. I pray I can help folks connect to God’s plan for missions in their lives.”
Rev. Pool, his wife Donna and their two daughters Becky and Jackie live in Arnold, where he will keep a home office as the first full-time coordinator CBF has had for the Mid-Atlantic Region. He cites Colossians 1: 28-29 as one of his favorite Bible passages. Fittingly, it illuminates Rev. Pool’s service to God:
We proclaim Him (Christ), admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. (NIV)
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Heritage Spotlight is written by Lea Hurt for publication on the web site of Heritage Baptist Church. For reproduction or usage of this article or any accompanying photos, please contact Lea at
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