Serving with Purpose

At First Baptist Dallas, we believe every member has a God-given gift to serve the church and make an eternal impact. Barron and Pam Hardison are living examples of this truth. They grew up with parents and grandparents who modeled faithful service. Today, they carry on this legacy by using their gifts to serve the Lord.

“We thank God we were able to grow up at First Dallas. It felt like a big family,” says Barron. “Growing up, my friends talked about how big the church was. It didn’t feel big to us. We looked right across the room and knew people.”

This deep sense of belonging didn’t just inspire Barron and Pam to stay connected—it drove them to serve. Over the years, Barron has faithfully served by teaching Sunday School, leading Vacation Bible School, and serving as a deacon. Today, he remains a vital part of our Worship Production team. Reflecting back to 1974, he recalls how it all started when a friend asked him to help operate a camera. “I was 14 years old with not much training,” he recalls. “But I was hooked after that. That’s where God gave me the passion and where He wants me to serve.”

For Barron, Worship Production is more than a technical role—it’s a ministry. “It’s a mission field in and of itself,” he explains. Alongside a team that includes students starting as young as seventh grade, Barron helps equip the next generation to serve. “It’s a perpetual thing. These kids are starting in seventh grade and are being trained in audio, lighting, and graphics. It’s incredible to see God using their talents.”

Pam’s story is equally inspiring. Growing up singing in the choir, she never stopped using her love for music to glorify God. “It is amazing to be a part of something bigger than myself. It’s such a comfort that I am not alone and that there are other believers who love God like me. It permeates every part of my being.”

When it comes to singing in the choir, Pam says, “I wish every member could experience that. It’s such a joy to honor God with the talents He’s given me.” She loves volunteering because it makes the church feel small. She says, “We can be a small church by volunteering, but we get all the benefits of a big church. The benefits come back 10x.”

The Hardisons challenge every member of the congregation to get involved. “If it’s in the back of their mind, God is probably putting that idea in their heart,” Pam says. Barron adds, “Everybody is given a gift from God. When you serve, you become a part of the church’s fabric. You’ll feel more connected and truly like part of the family.”

Through volunteering, Barron and Pam support the church’s mission to transform the world with God’s Word, one life at a time. As Barron explains, “We are facilitating the worship of others, spreading the gospel, and equipping the saints. We are deeply grateful for the volunteers who, over the years, poured God’s love and time into our family. Now, we want to pay it forward.” 

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, take the step and watch how God uses your gifts to transform lives—including your own.