Savannah Reams: Greene Publishing, Inc.
In the heart of Madison, located at 134 SW Meeting St., sits our very own First Baptist Church. The building, however, is merely a vessel which houses a body of believers who love their community, their neighbors, and their pastor, Gabe Krell. Krell has served at First Baptist Church of Madison for five years. Throughout his time there, he has become an integral part of our small town.
Krell does not take his responsibilities lightly. He stated that he made his decision with “lots of prayer,” and went on to say, “[I] have a desire to help people and see their lives be made whole through the saving mercy of Jesus and through adherence to His teachings… which truly do make you see and interact with the world in a whole new way.”
Krell emphasized that mission work is a top priority at First Baptist Church at the moment. “We really want to expand our local missions presence,” said Krell. “When Christians act like Jesus, the world notices.” Krell added that they seek to change their church's culture, developing a church with very high standards but filled with grace. “The church should be a grace-filled space, but not a weak phony grace” said Krell. “This grace has a back bone and affirms that sin never is best for us. Building that culture takes time and really loving each other through good and bad. Jesus said, ‘This is how they will know you are my disciples: if you love one another.’
Krell loves First Baptist Church of Madison. He sees God's hand in their mission and lives. “Our church is very loving and we are learning fast,” said Krell. “I'm blown away by what God has done here, and I am so grateful. Like any group of sinful humans, we still have a long way to go. With God's help, we get a little closer to Jesus each day.”
Currently, First Baptist holds worship services Sunday morning at 11 a.m. and Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. They also hold Awanas on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., Youth Service and Prayer meeting on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., and choir rehearsal on Wednesday's at 7:30 p.m. Twice a year, First Baptist holds “Mission Possible” Day, a Saturday where they focus on their construction ministry, nursing home ministry, children's ministry, and a food ministry that brings nutritious meals to those in need.
Pastor Krell provides counseling to individuals, as well as couples who are married or about to get married. Other programs in the church include WMU (women's ministry), Awanas, Kids’ Choir, Youth Praise Band, and Brotherhood (men's ministry).
Krell is married to Andrea Krell, Assistant Principal at Madison Creative Arts Academy. They have two children together. Katie is going into the 7th grade. She loves playing in the band and baking. Carter is going into 3rd grade. He loves legos.
Lastly, Krell strives to share the love of Christ with everyone he meets. “God has called me to bring people closer to him,” said Krell. “Whether that is in my friendships, my calling as a pastor, or in one on one meetings with people. I know that they will find their greatest peace and an eternal purpose walking with Christ. When God's church is healthy, its beacon for Christ is much brighter. The same is true with our families and with our individual lives.”
If you wish to contact First Baptist Church of Madison for more information or attend a service, you may locate them at 134 SW Meeting St., in Madison, Fl. Their number is (850) 464-3725.