LEADERS
Ray Van Neste
Ray Van Neste, professor of biblical studies at Union University, Jackson, has been appointed as dean of the university’s School of Theology and Missions. Van Neste has served on the Union faculty since 2001 and also is director of the R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies. He will begin his role as dean on June 1.
Jason Curtis was called in March as pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, Winchester and was ordained on April 8. He formerly was a member of First Baptist Church, Cowan. This is his first pastorate.
David Wall retired as pastor of Harmony Baptist Church, Tullahoma, on March 25. He was named pastor emeritus. Wall founded Unity Baptist Mission in 2005 and the congregation merged with Spring Creek Baptist Church in 2015, taking the name Harmony Baptist Church. He previously served Center Grove Baptist Church, Tullahoma, for 24 years. Wall and his wife Pat were presented gifts of appreciation on April 8.
Hunter Baker
Union University has named Hunter Baker as dean for its College of Arts and Sciences. Baker, associate professor of political science who has been serving as interim dean, joined the Union faculty in 2010 and has held a number of roles at the university, including senior associate dean of arts and sciences, dean of instruction, and associate provost.
Alicia Browder retired May 4 after serving for nearly 13 years as a ministry assistant for Shiloh Baptist Association, based in Adamsville.
Tracy Fansler recently was called as pastor of Eastview Baptist Church, Georgetown.
Galilee Baptist Church, Cleveland, has called Cody Harris as pastor.
CHURCHES
First Baptist Church, Carthage, will hold a one-day revival on June 3 with evangelist Phil Glisson of Memphis.
Lebanon Baptist Church, Cleveland, will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 20.
Wartrace Baptist Church, Wartrace, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a family “Picnic in the Park” on Sunday, May 20, at 4:30 p.m. at Winnette Ayers park in Wartrace. Pastor Billy Joe Calvert welcomes those outside the church membership to attend. Grammy-nominated Christian singer/songwriter Tim Menzies will perform during the event which is provided free to the public. Menzies has had songs recorded by numerous country music stars including Toby Keith, Kenny Rogers, George Jones, Reba McEntire, and others. For more information, contact the pastor at 931-639-1185.
The Pregnancy Care Center in Morristown, a ministry of Nolachucky Baptist Association, celebrated its 30th birthday on May 6.
Travis Ellis, center, youth pastor at First Baptist Church, Kenton, was licensed into the gospel ministry on April 29. He has served as youth pastor since last fall and previously did a three-year internship at Calvary Baptist Church,Union City, under the direction of David Hagan, left, associate pastor for youth and missions. Also pictured is Shawn Allred, pastor of FBC, Kenton.
