Dan Ferrell, right, registered pastor James Prince of Faith Baptist Church in Loretto, and his wife, Sherry, during the recent Summit held at Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova. Ferrell is stepping down this year after serving for 30 years as registration secretary for the Tennessee Baptist Convention. — Photo by Lonnie Wilkey
FRANKLIN — When the final gavel sounded at Summit on Nov. 16, an era ended.
Dan Ferrell completed his 30th and last year as registration secretary for the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
Ferrell also will conclude his service as a staff member of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board on Dec. 31. He is the second longest tenured staff member with 39 years of service, just behind Andy Gunn who has served for 40 years.
When Ferrell became registration secretary in 1992, he was elected each year. Over time, the office was incorporated into his staff responsibilities.
A native of Alexandria, Ferrell has enjoyed his tenure with the TBMB and as registration secretary. “It has been a blessing,” he affirmed.
Ferrell noted that the TBMB staff has become “family” over the years, noting they were there for him when he married his wife, Lynn, after he joined the staff and later when they adopted their daughter, Alex.
“I have developed so many great relationships with both present and past staff members of the TBMB,” he said.
When he joined the staff in 1983, he operated a printing press. He later coordinated mailroom services and became associate director of production services. He has been the production services manager for about 25 years.
Ferrell has served under four executive directors — Tom Madden, D.L. Lowrie, James Porch and Randy C. Davis and one interim executive director, Bill Wilson.
He saw his role as registration secretary as another avenue of ministry. He noted that role provided opportunities to meet and relate with Tennessee Baptist pastors and staff that he had not had before.
“I loved it,” he said.
“Meeting the pastors in our state face to face was one of the exciting things I enjoyed about my role,” he said.
Though he will miss his co-workers, Ferrell is excited about this new phase of his life. “I am looking forward to retirement,” he affirmed.
Ferrell plans to stay active with his hobby (gardening), participating in mission trips and disaster relief at ClearView Baptist Church in Franklin and traveling with his wife.
“Dan has been an integral part of serving Tennessee Baptists for nearly four decades and he’s definitely seen his role as a ministry to others,” said Chris Turner, director of communications for the TBMB.
“His service is a reflection of his humility and love for people. Personally, I have mixed emotions. Dan is a great friend and I really hate to lose him as part of our staff. His experience and wisdom will genuinely be missed. However, I’m excited for Dan and this transition to the next thing in his life,” Turner said. B&R
