By Loretta Fulton

After 36 years in education, Patti Blue wanted a new challenge, and a new position at First Baptist Church fit her skills perfectly.

Patti began her role as executive director for Mission Action in August. Her education background included being superintendent for The Gustine Independent School District and, most recently as associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Abilene.

“What especially appealed to me was the opportunity to combine my leadership experience with ministry,” she said.

Mission Action isn’t new at FBC, but Patti’s position is. Her job will be to provide overall leadership and support for three ministries–Family Life Center, GLO child care, and Ministry of Counseling and Enrichment.

“If, five years from now, we are serving more people, strengthening more families, and building more connections between our church and our community, I will consider that a tremendous success,” Patti said.

Patti Blue

BIO
Place of birth: Lorraine
Where you grew up: Abilene
Family: Husband, Doug Blue; one son, Brayden
Education: Abilene High School, 1986; Baylor University, 1990, bachelor of science in education, with secondary teaching certifications in mathematics and business administration; Tarleton State University, 1996, master of education, with mid-management certification; University of Texas Permian Basin, 2016, Texas School Superintendent Certification
Community involvement: Board of trustees, Noah Project

Q Is Mission Action new at FBC?
A It has been part of the church’s commitment to serving our community since the late 1960s. Mission Action is a nonprofit organization that encompasses three important ministries: God’s Little Ones (GLO) Daycare, the Ministry of Counseling and Enrichment (MOCE), and the Family Life Center (FLC). Historically, oversight of Mission Action has been one of the many responsibilities of a pastor at First Baptist Church.

Q Why did you want to be the Executive Director?
A When I learned about the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of Mission Action, I immediately recognized how closely the position aligned with both my professional experience and my personal beliefs. When I learned about the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of Mission Action, I immediately recognized how closely the position aligned with both my professional experience and my personal beliefs.

Q I read that you will give leadership to three ministries—Family Life Center (FLC), GLO, and Ministry of Counseling and Enrichment (MOCE). What will your direct involvement be?
A My role is to provide overall leadership, direction, and support for all three ministries. That includes responsibilities such as budgeting, operational oversight, strategic planning, and serving as a connection between the ministry directors and First Baptist Church leadership. One of my priorities is to strengthen the connection between the ministries and the church itself.
At the Ministry of Counseling and Enrichment, my involvement centers on supporting the leadership and counseling staff so they can continue providing quality mental health and counseling services to individuals and families.
The Family Life Center has an experienced team and well-established programs that serve our community. Much of my role there involves supporting that team, helping identify opportunities for continued growth, and being available when challenges or needs arise.
GLO Daycare presents some unique opportunities and challenges. We are blessed with wonderful facilities and a caring staff who genuinely love the children they serve. Like many childcare centers, however, we face ongoing challenges with recruiting and retaining qualified employees.

Q Will you have any connection with City Light Community Ministries?
A City Light Community Ministries is a separate nonprofit organization and is not part of Mission Action. However, both organizations are connected through First Baptist Church Abilene’s broader commitment to serving our community.Our goal is not simply to provide individual services, but to help connect people with the support they need. Working together allows us to better serve our community and demonstrate the love of Christ through meaningful action.

Q Your background is in education. How will that experience help guide you in your new position?
A I believe the experiences and skills I developed throughout my 36-year career translate very well to this position. During my 25 years in leadership positions, I was responsible for human resources, budgeting, facilities, regulatory compliance, personnel development, and the overall direction of the district. Those experiences taught me how important it is to balance the financial and operational realities of running an organization with the needs of the people it serves. But perhaps the most important think I learned during my career has very little to do with budgets, policies, or organizational charts. I learned that leadership is really about people.

Q Anything else you wish to add?
A Ultimately, my vision is not simply to see three ministries grow. It is to see Mission Action continue to be a place where people experience the love of Christ through the way we serve them. Whether that is a child being welcomed into a classroom, someone finding hope through counseling, or a family spending an afternoon together at the Family Life Center, I want people to know that First Baptist Church Abilene cares about them
Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene