A Word from Our Superintendent
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Has your church planned a special day to show appreciation to your pastor? Will you also honor the ministers in your church? If so, thank you! If not yet, it is not too late! Whatever your church chooses to do, do it with excellence and heart-felt appreciation. The Word teaches us… “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” - 1 Timothy 5:17 (NKJV)
My pastors have been my heroes, even more than Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees. Hilton Grimes, Joe Dee Kelley, Richard Messner, Glenn Burks, and Karl Strader have been my pastors during different seasons of my life. Because we did not have a car, Hilton Grimes would pick us up in my pre-school years and give us a ride to Dry Hill Assembly of God. As a result of a Vacation Bible School, we started attending Whitefield Assembly of God, when I was six, and Joe Dee Kelley became my pastor. After Brother Kelley resigned, Richard Messner became the pastor of Whitefield. He and his talking dummy were a blast. We moved to Nashville in 1969. Since then, over forty years now, Glenn Burks has been my pastor. While at Southeastern Bible College (SEBC), we attended Karl Strader’s church in Lakeland, Florida.
We all know that serving as a pastor in today’s church culture is not an easy assignment. George Barna states that being a pastor today is the most occupationally frustrating job in America. Most pastors are honored to serve, but many (especially pastor’s wives) are challenged with discouragement and loneliness. Let’s do something to show our love and appreciation to our shepherds in Tennessee. Make your Pastor Appreciation Day an extra special event this year!
Your fellow servant,
Terry Bailey
Prayer Needs
The following individuals are in need of special prayer for various needs. Let’s take time to call their names in prayer.
Upcoming Events
TN Youth Convention is November 18-19. If you haven’t yet registered, it’s not too late. Visit www.tymyouth.org for details. If you have questions, please contact Brenda atbsheppard@tnaog.org or by phone at 615.431.0871, ext. 222.
*New – TN District Prayer and Bible Camp Meeting is January 26-28, 2012. This is an opportunity for all those in ministry across our district to come together for the specific purpose of prayer & revival. The speaker is Rev. Martha Tennison, who is sure to bring a fresh & powerful Word from God. You won’t want to miss this event. Mark your calendar and plan to start the new year off right by attending this camp meeting. Watch for more details to follow soon.
87th Annual TN District Council is April 9-11, 2012. It is being hosted by Cathedral of Praise in Cordova, TN. Online registration and full registration packets will be available soon.
Announcements
Memphis International Church is looking for 2 used 15-passenger vans. Please contact Pastor Blake Farmer at901.573.8539 if you have any information that may help.
Although the following are not Tennessee District events, we wanted you to be aware they are available to TN ministers.
Southwestern A/G University Presents:
The annual Prayer and Bible Conference sponsored by the Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, North Texas, South Texas, West Texas, New Mexico, and Rocky Mountain Districts. The 2012 Conference will be held January 3-4 at Cornerstone Church in Southaven, Mississippi. Conference speakers include Dr. George Wood, Doug Clay, Bryan Jarrett, and Robert Wilburn. Promotional materials can be found online at www.sagu.edu/pbc (scroll down and the items are listed under “Resources/Downloads”). There is no charge for the conference although love offerings will be received to assist in covering expenses.
Ohio Ministry Network Presents:
The National AG Young Adult conference “reFRESH.12”being held in Gatlinburg, TN on January 5-8, 2012. The young adult age (18-30) is a vital time in each person’s development into the individual God has designed them to be. Cost for lodging, food, services, prizes, and t-shirt is $125 per person. National AG Young Adults Director, Ryan Moore, will be on hand to network with and encourage your Young Adults. Contact Chris or Rachel Gross for further information: chris@rlcdublin.org or 614.889.8364and check out the promo materials at www.youngadults.ag.org or at www.ohioministry.net.
