Dear Bill:

I recently pulled up your web site and I was blessed beyond measure at how the Lord is blessing this marvelous group of believers known as University Baptist Church and how the church has managed to build such a large gathering of people on what amounts to two acres is difficult to explain to those outside of Miami.

Rose and I still feel that we are a part of UBC. We have nothing but fond memories of our days with University and the privilege of working with Dan Yeary. It now has been twenty-six years since we were members and from this vantage point, God had blended the ministries of both you and Dan into what I consider to be one of the great churches in America today.

Our son, Brent, is now pastor of the First Baptist Church in Carrollton, TX. As you know, his formative years as a child were spent under the influence of Lynn Phillips. FBC Carrollton bought 107 acres of prime property in North Dallas but a trivial lawsuit hampered construction on the property for four years. The law suit has been settled but I reminded Brent at Christmas that UBC has been through a much more difficult struggle for over twenty years as she has sought to expand her boundaries with the purpose of impacting Miami in an even greater manner. Your example encouraged Brent but it reminded me that UBC is a marvelous congregation of believers that just never say “Quit.”

I read the information on the website and I was amazed at how much is offered in ministries. I rejoiced with you as I listened to the video that shared your vision for the future of this great church at the ground-breaking service. The video of personal testimonies made me want to join UBC again.

Dan and I had visions for UBC and it seems that you, David and Mark are being privileged to live out what we could only dream. How blessed you are.

Since I left Coral Gables, I was privileged to serve two magnificent churches, Prestonwood and North Phoenix. I also directed the Sunday Schools of Southern Baptist through LifeWay and I spent two years as the assistant to the president of the North American Mission Board.

God blessed the work in Dallas in a “once in a lifetime” experience. Twice during my time as Executive Pastor/Christian Educator, our Bible study increased over 1000 in one day. We were given awards for having the fastest growing Sunday Schools in the nation. I am grateful for those days of ministry but I have to tell you, nothing in my entire ministry has exceeded my days of ministry or my love for the University Baptist Church.

Bill, I hope you do not mind but I want to encourage you today. Even though Dan was and continues to be my closest friend in ministry, until my own son, Brent, became a pastor, I never quite understood the enormous burden that a pastor has upon his heart as he seeks to follow the Lord and at the same time lead His people to follow His Will.

The last twenty-five years have been filled with blessings and struggles. I know because I shared both. Some of those past days were tough but be prepared, my friend. The days ahead will be more difficult but they will also be the best days of your outstanding ministry. As you prepare to move and as the building are constructed, Satan will not be happy about these victories. Expect His attacks because they are coming but do not lose heart.

It has been several years since I was a member and I know that I would not know many of members today. I do know that extreme changes will have to be made as UBC readies herself to be the vibrant source of spiritual ministry that she has been in the last century. Attitudes have changed. Our culture is drastically changing. This is nothing new for Miami because this magnificent city has always been ahead of its time.

You are doing so many things right. The diversity of people, leadership, schedules and ministry offerings are on target. Some things will change. I doubt if you will be able to conduct Sunday school as I directed in the 80s. I am seeing many of our best Bible studies being relocated to homes, apartments, office buildings and movie theatres. This does not make them better or worse. The question you must ask is “Are we reaching people with the Gospel and are we teaching people the Word of God?”

I remember two things about UBC. It was always filled with excitement and laughter because there were so many young families from so many countries. It was also spear-headed by older adults, such as John and Betty Reeves, who never allowed themselves to be marginalized because they were as young at heart as the brightest teenager.

WOW! What a church and what a people.

Bill, I love you and I love the people of UBC.

Bill Taylor,

President, Unlimited Partnerships