Transitions are a normal part of life and ministry. The Word teaches us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV). There are several transitions on the district level that I want to share with you this afternoon.
Todd Alexander has served as our Executive Secretary/Treasurer since 2008. The Board and Pulpit Committee at House of Grace in Gallatin, Tennessee have unanimously chosen Pastor Todd to be the pastoral candidate for their church. So, this coming Sunday, February 12, the membership will vote. With that developing, Pastor Todd has submitted his resignation as District Executive Secretary/Treasurer to be effective 30 days after District Council. Pastor Todd has served with excellence and we are appreciative of his strong leadership qualities.
When House of Grace needed strong leadership to navigate the church through turbulent and troubled waters in July 2011, I recommended Pastor Todd to serve as their Interim Pastor. The Lord helped him to turn that difficult situation around, and during the process, also changed Pastor Todd’s heart from serving in District leadership to becoming their Pastor. This change of heart was obvious to those closest to him. While I do not want to be presumptuous of the results of the pending vote, I do believe that Gallatin House of Grace is entering into a season of great growth and fruitful ministry. You will be hearing testimonies of many wonderful things ahead.
Because there is one year remaining on Pastor Todd’s term, we will elect a person to complete his unexpired term at District Council. The person the Presbytery Board will be submitting at District Council is Glenn Burks. Brother Burks has been serving as our District General Presbyter and previously served as our District Secretary/Treasurer for 17 years. With Brother Burks serving for only one year, this will allow your Superintendent to have someone who is greatly respected and has the experience and wisdom to help me further grow and learn in this role. During this year, we will consider how we can best move forward with our next Secretary/Treasurer.
As you already know, Terry Allen is also transitioning in leadership from District Youth/CE Director to National Representative for Calcutta Mercy Ministries. As I prayerfully worked through the process of determining our next District Youth Ministry and Christian Education Director, I realized many of our young pastors and youth pastors in Tennessee would have done excellent in this position. That realization was reassuring that our future is in good hands if the Lord tarries His return. One person emerged as a clear choice. The young man that the Presbytery Board will be submitting to you for consideration at District Council is Jeremy Austill. Jeremy is an emerging next generation leader and we will launch our youth ministries to the next level.
Rick Black has also submitted his resignation as our District Royal Rangers Director. Rick has served for the past 6 years and I consider him a loyal and trusted friend, like many of you do. His heart for mentoring men and boys in leadership was contagious. I have asked Ron Bush to serve as Interim Ranger Director through Ranger Adventure Week (“RAW”) in July.
Todd Alexander, Terry Allen, and Rick Black are men that I love and appreciate much. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with each of them. As their seasons of district ministry come to a close, please take time to express your appreciation to each one with cards and gifts. To help you become better acquainted with our new leadership, we will share bio information of Glenn Burks, Jeremy Austill, and Ron Bush in our next communication.
Your fellow servant,
Terry G. Bailey
District Superintendent
