Bible Believing Baptist Church
Gray, Maine 04039
www.biblebelievingbaptistchurch.org
Salary: TBD
Who Are We? Please check out our website; however, be gracious as it is a work in progress.
Our Purpose
“We believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission…to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), [BBBC Bylaws, Article IX, Section 13].
History of the Church
On October 1, 1978, Rev. Clayton Beal organized the church with 16 charter members. Pastor Beal was from Liberty Bible Institute in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was led to leave Bible Believing Baptist Church to pastor a church in Greenville, Maine.
In January 1982, Rev. Darwin Vail became pastor and served with passion for over 37 years. Pastor Vail was born and raised in Illinois, served two years in the army, and graduated from Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He retired from the office of pastor in February of 2019.
Jared Betts grew up in Gray, Maine. After coming to Christ at the age of 19, he faithfully served within the local body. He became assistant pastor in 2018. One year later he became pastor when Pastor Vail retired. Pastor Betts resigned as pastor of Bible Believing Baptist Church in September, 2022.
Rev. Phil Andrukaitis was called to pastor of Bible Believing Baptist Church October 16, 2022. Pastor Phil brings over 33 years of pastoral experience. His strength and joy exist in fulfilling his call as a pastor while helping churches strengthen their ministries.
In 1980 the church purchased land on Old Portland Road (now Center Road) in Gray. A basement was built and capped. The church grew from worshiping in a basement to worshiping in a completed church building in 1986. In 2002 the sanctuary was expanded to its present building. Starting in 1982 the work was done on a cash principle. Where God guides, God provides (Isaiah 58:11 KJV).
Community Demographics
The Town of Gray is home to 8300 people and is situated midway between the cities of Portland to the south and Lewiston to the north. Five state routes intersect in Gray, as well as the Maine Turnpike (Exit 63), affording easy access to points in all directions.
Local businesses include grocery stores, hardware stores, farm markets, restaurants, convenience stores, filing stations, drug store, golf course and more. Building supplies are available in neighboring Windham and New Gloucester, as well as limited supplies at the local hardware stores. Additional shopping is nearby in Windham, Freeport and Portland. Gray is also home to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] weather station, the Maine Wildlife Park, Maine State Police facility, Maine Warden Service facility and Maine Forest Service facility.
Municipal offices are located in the former Pennell Institute, a high school facility established by Henry Pennell in 1876 and gifted to the inhabitants of the Town of Gray upon his death. Gray and neighboring New Gloucester form MSAD 15 for K-12 education. Private education includes Royal Academy in Gray and North Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth, as well as others in the surrounding areas.
Local churches, in addition to Bible Believing Baptist Church are Crossroads Community Church, First Congregational Church, Kingdom Life Church, Pathway Vineyard Church, and St. Gregory Catholic Church, all in Gray, and New Gloucester Bible Church in New Gloucester. There are many other churches in neighboring communities.
BBBC’s Present Ministries
Women’s Ministries
- Secret Sisters
- Prayer Shawl Ministry
Classes & Programs
- GriefShare (Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm)
- Weekly Prayer Meeting (Thursday morning at 10:00 am)
- Prayer Chain
- Home Bible Studies
BBBC’s Focus
The following are designed to fulfill BBBC’s mission:
- To exalt the Savior through worship
- To explain the Scriptures through preaching / teaching
- To encourage the saints through fellowship
- To equip the servants through discipleship
- To enlist souls through evangelism
- To become empowered by the Holy Spirit through prayer
The following core values identify BBBC:
S service (which involves humility)
P passion
I integrity
R respect
I interconnectedness
T thankfulness
Job Description
BBBC’s church family is asking the Lord to send us a man with these three desires:
- Pastor/Shepherd: A man whose love for God and others is reflected in the way he compassionately cares for others, while working humbly with others and allowing others to care for him
- Preacher/Teacher: A man whose love for the Scriptures enables him to know, understand, and communicate its life-giving truths to others
- Evangelist: A man whose love for the “lost” stirs his heart to reach souls beyond the boundaries of the church
BBBC Bylaws [Article VIII, Section 1] describe the pastor’s job description and his responsibilities:
A. The pastor must see that all phases of the ministry are cared for: the instruction of children, the preaching of the Word of God to the saved and the teaching and training of all church officers and Sunday school teachers, the ministry of community evangelism and visitation of the sick, the cares of those who are weak in the faith, the ministry of prayer, the worship and preaching ministry of the church, and the ordination of pastors. As those who preside over the gatherings of the church, the pastor shall be responsible that order is kept. He must not allow false doctrine to be taught. He shall conduct the baptismal and communion services (1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5).
B. In keeping with such Scriptures as Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:5; Hebrews 13:7, 17, let it be remembered that a pastor of a church is pastor of every function, committee, and activity of the church. He shall be an ex officio member of all committees and organizations. The pastor’s divine call to the ministry, the gifts he has received from God, his ordination after careful and prayerful examination, and the church’s call to the pastor to serve in a specific office of leadership, all combine to imply that certain prerogatives and acknowledged authority go with the office. It is not ecclesiastical authority, but a given authority, acknowledged as necessary; it is given by the Word of God.
C. The pastor shall approve all speakers for the church.
D. Because this church believes the Holy Spirit leads the pastor and that 2 Timothy 4:5 exhorts the pastor to do the work of evangelist, the pastor shall have liberty to go where and when he is led to conduct revivals.
E. Because of the office, the pastor shall be counted worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). No accusations shall be accepted against him without two or three witnesses
(1 Timothy 5:19).
F. No person shall be considered for the office nor serve as pastor of this church whose beliefs and teachings are not in accordance with the Articles of Faith as set forth in Article IX or who will not declare himself to be fundamental, pre-millennial, and independent Baptist.
G. No woman shall be considered for, nor serve as pastor of this church. In accordance with 1 Timothy 3:2 “…the husband of one wife…”
Minimum Qualifications
- Ordained and/or Licensed by an evangelical church body
- Associate’s degree from Bible College with a desire to further his education; a life-long learner
- Pastoral experience
Application Process
Please send a cover letter with your resume and your doctrinal statement to:
Mr. Gary Foster
P. O. Box 1253 | Gray, Maine 04039
Further contact information: Cell: (207) 712-8908 / Email: gfoster@securespeed.net
Bible Believing Baptist Church 