Dan Spencer — Photo credit: BP
Thank you, Tennessee Baptists, for the undeserved blessing of being elected to serve as your Tennessee Baptist Convention president.
It feels full circle for me. According to the December 4, 1924, edition of the Baptist & Reflector, my great-great grandfather, Dr. G. M. Savage, served in this same position 100 years ago. He was nominated, at the insistence of his brother, because he was the only surviving charter member of the TBC at the time of its 50th anniversary.
He reluctantly accepted the nomination and went on to serve with distinction during a time when the Cooperative Program, the Baptist Faith & Message, and Baptist Collegiate Ministry all began. This opportunity is very meaningful to me, and I pray I can serve as faithfully as Grandpa Savage.
From a pastoral perspective, I am aware that my election says more about my church than it says about me. I am thankful that First Baptist Church of Sevierville is such a mission-minded and gracious congregation. I pray that I can represent it well in the coming year.
I feel blessed to serve alongside our TBC vice president, David Evans. He and I are both eager to work with our newly elected — and first-ever — regional vice presidents: Ben Cowell (west), Maurice Hollingsworth (middle), and Shane Johnston (east). I know they will prove to be a great help to Tennessee Baptists.
And I am excited about the opportunity to support the work of our Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and cheer on its executive director, and my great friend, Randy C. Davis. I believe there is not a more well-led state mission board staff in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Our shared mission gives our state mission board the clarity needed to serve and support TBC churches to take bold steps into the future. Our mission is to multiply gospel leaders who advance God’s kingdom.
Together we believe the best path to ensuring that every Tennessean hears the gospel is by strengthening and multiplying gospel leaders, evangelistic disciples, and healthy churches. My hope is that in the coming year, every Tennessee Baptist church will enthusiastically, cooperatively, and prayerfully get on board with that mission.
The gospel need in our state has never been greater. Spiritual lostness has never been more profound. The pull of the world and the attacks of our enemy have never been stronger.
In the words of Adrian Rogers, “It’s getting gloriously dark!” Praise the Lord because I believe our future has never been brighter.
Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and with a clear mission and a powerful strategy bathed in prayer, I believe we will see unprecedented numbers of people come to saving faith in Christ here in Tennessee.
I am already looking forward to celebrating the victories and strengthening our cooperation and collaboration at next year’s Summit that we will host here in East Tennessee. Please begin making plans to be here, to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains, and to gather for our annual meeting in Sevierville.
But first, let’s pause, exhale, and focus on celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the good news of great joy for all the world. Glory to God in the highest!
From my family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! B&R — Spencer is senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Sevierville.
