Baptist and Reflector
Joining Robert and Jeanette West, center, during their recognition by the African American Fellowship of the TBC were Vickie Anderson, left, and Thomas Bester.
BRENTWOOD — The African American Fellowship of the Tennessee Baptist Convention honored its president and first lady — Robert L. West Sr., and his wife, Jeanette — during its annual meeting held during Summit at Brentwood Baptist Church on Nov. 15.
West, pastor of Kingdom Center Ministries Church in Memphis was cited “in honor and appreciation for your valuable contributions in the planting, advancing and developing African American churches in Tennessee with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, State and National African American Fellowships.”
Mrs. West was recognized for “her tireless efforts in promoting the values and goals of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and her pioneering achievements in the Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union.”
“Pastor West, and his wife have been stalwarts in the state of Tennessee and to Tennessee Baptists,” said Thomas Bester, African American church relations specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
“Bro. Robert is a delight in engaging African American pastors as a faithful servant in his role as president of the African American Fellowship. Their exemplary servant leadership as Tennessee Baptists for 41 years is cause for the TBMB to celebrate these accomplishments,” Bester said.
“Robert West is a wonderful pastor and mentor to other pastors, a constant encourager and a great man of God,” observed Roc Collins, director of strategic objectives for the TBMB. “He loves to preach the gospel and proclaim the truth.”
Martha Pitts, former Tennessee WMU president, noted that West is “a shepherd to pastors. His gift of presence has been felt by almost every African American pastor in Memphis and beyond,” she said.
“Jeanette West used her servant spirit to expand Kingdom work not only as First Lady but through Woman’s Missionary Union. Tennessee WMU fellowship and ministries expanded as Jeanette brought black and white sisters in Christ together. Her influence reached to the state level in Tennessee Baptist life as she became the first African-American officer for Tennessee WMU.”
Pitts added that many years ago, “the Wests and their church embraced the Great Commission philosophy of Southern Baptists. So many times they had to stand alone within a white culture, placing their faith above all. Southern Baptists must continue to strive for more unity but trailblazers like the Wests have helped Tennessee Baptists reflect more of God’s desire for a Kingdom for all,” she said.
Vickie Anderson, president of Tennessee WMU, observed that Mrs. West’s impact in WMU and missions can be seen on the church, association and state levels. “She jumps to meet needs and share Christ and she leads others to do the same.”B&R
