Serving through Prayer

There are moments that draw you back home. For Ashley Allen, that moment happened while watching news coverage of the Historic Sanctuary fire at First Baptist Dallas. 

As a graduate of First Baptist Academy and a longtime volunteer in the church through Women’s Ministry, Awana, VBS, and Student Ministry, Ashley had always considered First Dallas a place where she could grow spiritually and invest in others. After earning her PhD in 2009, Ashley left Dallas to pursue ministry and teaching opportunities in North Carolina. But a few years ago, the Lord brought her back to Texas to serve at Southwestern Seminary.

“When the fire happened, I saw it on the news, and First Dallas was home to me,” says Ashley. “When First Dallas met at the Convention Center, I decided to come back. I went that particular Sunday and saw so many people I served with—people who had invested in me.”

Ashley had planned to attend a different church the following week, but she felt the Lord stirring in her heart. “I got in the church parking lot, turned the car around, and drove an hour to go back to worship in the Dallas Convention Center.” She remembers praying, “If there is a way that I can serve at the church, please show it to me.”

God answered quickly. Ashley was introduced to Pastor’s Prayer Partners–Women, a faithful group of women who gather regularly to pray for the Pastor and the ministries of the church. Before long, she was given the opportunity to lead the ministry. “Most people likely have no idea what we are doing. Sometimes we think a ministry that is unseen is not important, but it is vitally important. Scripture tells us that we need to abide in Him. What a great and awesome privilege to lift up our Pastor, because of who we are in Christ Jesus,” says Ashley.

Every fourth Sunday of the month, Ashley serves by facilitating the prayer time and encouraging each woman in the group. Although many people don’t see the work of our hundreds of men and women in Pastor’s Prayer Partners, they see the fruit as God answers those prayers week after week. Ashley explains, “When we hear the reports of things God did—to think, I got to be a part of what God did in the hearts and lives of people—it’s very humbling and rewarding.” 

If you’re looking for a way to start serving at First Dallas, perhaps you could begin simply by getting on your knees and asking the Lord to move here at our church. That’s what the Pastor’s Prayer Partners do each month. As Ashley says, “As believers, we are all called to pray. This opportunity opens that door for everybody.” When we are faithful to serve, the church is built up. “Our gifts are to be used for others to come to spiritual maturity. We are called to use the gifts God has given us—whatever that looks like. We are called to serve. God knits everything together, and we see disciples made when we use these gifts.”

God uses every act of service—seen or unseen—to build up the church and further His mission. Whether you’re praying behind the scenes, greeting people as they arrive, or teaching a class, every role matters in the body of Christ. We are committed to helping each church member find their place to grow, serve, and belong at First Dallas!