After 25 years of serving children and families at First Baptist Church Sheridan, Fara Newkirk is stepping into retirement.  

Newkirk, who began serving as the church’s children’s minister on Sept. 1, 2000, said the role was never part of her original career plan. 

“I have a degree in finance and banking,” she said with a laugh. “I worked in trust management for banks before I became a stay-at-home mom.” 

At the time, her only son had just started first grade, and she had been praying for a part-time position that would allow her to continue raising him while serving the Lord. Her husband’s job required frequent travel, and with no nearby family support, flexibility mattered. 

Meanwhile, Newkirk had already become deeply involved at First Baptist Sheridan, volunteering in the nursery, leading preschool TeamKid and helping wherever she was needed. 

Then church leaders approached her about a newly created children’s ministry position. 

“My first thought was, ‘I didn’t go to seminary. I’m not qualified for this,’” she recalled. “But the pastor and personnel committee told me, ‘You’re already doing the job.’” 

After praying with her husband, she accepted the position - despite feeling completely outside her comfort zone. 

“I told God, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m going to do it,’” she said. 

What began as a part-time role overseeing children’s ministry eventually expanded to include oversight of preschool ministries and the church’s Mother’s Day Out program. Over the years, Newkirk served through four pastors, several interim leaders, and countless student ministers. 

Still, she said one thing never changed: her love for children. 

“I just love telling kids about Jesus,” she said. “That’s what’s kept me here all these years.” 

Throughout her ministry, Newkirk said the greatest reward has been watching children come to faith. 

“My favorite memories are leading kids to Christ,” she said. “That’s what makes all the ministry headaches worthwhile.” 

Newkirk’s ministry has touched generations of families in Sheridan. Some of the children she once taught now have children of their own attending the church. 

“It’s nice to see generational discipleship,” she said. 

That legacy is perhaps most visible in the church’s next children’s ministry leader. Whitney Johnson, who will officially step into the role on June 1, was one of Newkirk’s students during her very first year on staff. 

“She was a sixth grader my first year,” Newkirk said. 

Johnson, a lifelong church member and former teacher, now has children of her own in the ministry. 

Pastor Thomas Sewell said the transition feels like a full-circle moment. 

“It’s rare to see someone serve in ministry at one church for 25 years,” Sewell said. “I don’t think people realize how uncommon that is anymore.” 

Vacation Bible School has also been a defining part of Newkirk’s ministry. This summer’s VBS will mark her 27th year directing the outreach program. 

“It’s the biggest outreach we have every year for kids in the community,” she said. “I love that it presents the gospel in fun ways through music, crafts and activities.” 

Even children who only attend during VBS often return later, wanting the same excitement every Sunday. 

“They’ll come back and ask, ‘When are we rotating?’” she joked. “And I have to tell them, ‘It’s a little different on Sundays.’” 

Over the years, Newkirk has watched children’s ministry evolve. Early in her career, she said churches often focused heavily on programming. Today, she believes ministry has become more relationship-centered and gospel-focused. 

“The gospel for kids is the same gospel for anybody,” she said. “You don’t have to water it down.” 

As she prepares to retire, Newkirk said the decision was difficult and came after months of prayer. 

“It was agonizing,” she admitted. “But once I made the decision, I felt peace about it.” 

Retirement will allow her to spend more time with her two grandsons, ages 4 and 2, who live in Heber Springs. They’ll even attend this year’s Vacation Bible School - her final one as director. 

Looking back, Newkirk said she feels immense gratitude for the church family she has served for more than two decades. 

“It’s been a joy and an honor to serve the Lord through the children’s ministry of this church,” she said. “This church is our family.” 

And while she’s stepping away from leadership, she believes the ministry’s future is bright. 

“I’m excited for Whitney,” she said. “She has the same kind of heart for kids that I do. You’ve got to love kids to do this.” 

A retirement celebration honoring Newkirk is planned for June 7 at First Baptist Sheridan. 

Photo cutline: Fara Newkirk, left, is retiring after 25 years serving as the children's minister at First Baptist Sheridan. Next to her is Whitney Johnson, who stepped into the role June 1. (Submitted)