The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ makes a real difference in everyday life.

That is what Tim Singleton will tell you is his passion.

“We desperately want people to know the joy and hope of knowing Jesus personally,” Singleton said.

Singleton is in his ninth year heading up things at the First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend. The church offers services every Sunday morning at 10:45 a.m.

He has been in the ministry for more than 20 years. Prior to his time in Great Bend, Singleton spent time as a youth minister in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

During that journey, Singleton has had his wife Amber along his side nearly all the way. They have been married for 20 years and have a son who is a freshman and a daughter starting sixth grade.

His 20-plus year journey has been defined by a single principle – following the Lord’s lead. Listening to His call and remaining obedient to Him.

“The Lord is leading me,” Singleton said. “I just obeyed and kept obeying and eventually found myself here in Great Bend.

“I’ve had some good people who mentored me and helped me along the way. All of those things have led me in the direction of the Lord.”

At the heart of Singleton’s ministry is his deep, daily conviction that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ makes a real difference in everyday life.

That is his core passion that drives what he does whether he is opening the Word of God from the pulpit or equipping his congregation to step outside the church walls to help serve their neighbors.

The First Southern Baptist Church has been instrumental in helping out with the community in a variety of ways.

Not long ago, they coordinated with state officials and church members to help install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors in homes across the community.

The church has also organized free diapers and wipe giveaways at the church annex.

The free diaper and wipe giveaway hosted by First Southern Baptist Church was created as a low-barrier way to help local families with essential basic needs.

Families could receive one parcel of free diapers and wipes per child. To make sure families get the right sizes before supplies run out, the church lets parents call ahead to reserve their required diaper sizes.

Pastor Tim noted that the church wanted to meet a very practical financial strain for parents in the area.

“Jesus has been generous to us and we want to be generous in our community and connect to our community,” Singleton said.

Rather than just handing out supplies, church members use the giveaway as a chance to meet local families face-to-face, offer a warm welcome, build relationships, and pray with anyone who wants it.

There is also the Fall Festival at Halloween at its site on Harrison Street. It is a family-friendly event that offers a safe, centralized spot for local kids to trick or treat. In addition they have carnival-style games for prizes and get a warm grilled hot dog.

If the weather does not cooperate, the event can be moved indoors.

“We like to get our church into the community and serve the people as much as we can,” Singleton said.

A couple of years ago, Singleton made his way across the street to the north to be part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Great Bend Middle School.

“The middle school is our neighbor,” Singleton said. “You see from across the street. I always wanted to help out in some way there and when they came to me to help with FCA I was honored.

“I just want to open the word of God to people,” Singleton said. “I think over the last few years I have prayed for every home in the community individually.

A big part of the church is the youth. They meet every Wednesday night.

“We’ve really had quite a few youth coming the last couple of years,” Singleton said. “Not all are members of our church. The more we can get here the better.”