NAOBC For Life Spotlight – Emily McBride
When you are a member at NAOBC, no matter where God takes you, the love for NAOBC remains. It’s part of your DNA. Periodically we’ll spotlight women who were former members – see where they are today and what NAOBC means to them. Today we’re meeting Emily McBride.
Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.
A: I am wife to Ryan and mother to Perry (13), Macy (11) and Nolan (8). We live in Chattanooga, TN where Ryan and I both serve on staff with Ridgedale Baptist Church. I have the privilege of serving as the Minister to Preschool and Children at Ridgedale.
Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?
A: I came to NAOBC in the Fall of 2005 as a first year Seminary student at Southern. We moved away in 2010 to serve at a church in East TN.
Q: Where did you serve while at NAOBC?
A: Serving at NAOBC was such a joy. I served in the children’s ministry with a wonderful group of Kindergarten small group teachers who taught me so much and loved me so well. I was also able to teach in another children’s small group class after I left kindergarten and met a life-long friend in the process.
Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?
A: I came to NAOBC as a single seminary student with few friends and by the time I left I was married to Ryan, mom of Perry with Macy on the way and felt like I had a real community. There are countless memories of friendships and time spent together. I have memories of sitting at tables with various ladies at a women’s tea in the sanctuary. I remember sitting in the infant/baby class as a young mom and learning from other moms. There was a class taught by Pastors’ Wives for women whose husbands were aspiring to be pastors. There was so much wisdom shared with me in that group that I have been able to pass on to others along the way.
Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?
A: I’m so thankful for my time at NAOBC, so picking one thing is a little challenging. I felt loved and welcomed as a new visitor and then a member. It was so easy to plug in to Bible study groups, and places of service. I will forever be thankful for the community I had while at NAOBC. Regardless of what phase of life I was in, God used His church to provide friends and community. I learned how to serve in the Children’s Ministry in various areas and gained so much knowledge for the job I am doing today. Being able to sit under strong leaders and teachers learning the scriptures, how to be a leader in the church and how to be a wife and mother was a treasure.
