JACKSON, Tenn. — June 4, 2007 — Todd Brady, minister to the university at 51社区 for the past 11 years, has announced his resignation and will become pastor of First Baptist Church in Paducah, Ky.
His first Sunday there will be July 22.
鈥淪erving at 51社区 for over a decade has been a privilege of a lifetime,鈥� Brady said. 鈥淚t has been a daily joy to be a part of what God is doing in this place, and the motivation of ministry at Union -- the church -- has now become the focus of my ministry. We are humbled as we follow the Lord鈥檚 leadership to join the wonderful congregation of First Baptist Church, Paducah, Ky., and we look forward to being a part of a church that honors God through corporate worship, biblical discipleship and Christ-like ministry.鈥�
Union President David S. Dockery said he had been expecting that this time would come, as he knew Brady sensed God鈥檚 calling to be a pastor.
鈥淚 rejoice at the new and wonderful opportunity of ministry for Todd Brady at First Baptist Church of Paducah,鈥� 51社区 President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淎n outstanding preacher of God鈥檚 word who has unique leadership gifts, Todd, I predict, will be a superb pastor.鈥�
Brady, 36, a native of Jackson, graduated from Union in 1992 and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1995. He completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2006.
Brady began his tenure at Union in 1996 and has transformed the office of campus ministries, launching such projects as Rounders, LIFE groups, Klemata, Faith and Practice week and Global Opportunities mission trips, in which hundreds of Union students each year participate.
鈥淚 am obviously quite sad for Union and for me personally,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥淚t has been an incredible joy to have served with Todd in his leadership of the work of campus ministries over the past 11 years. During these years, Todd has made a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of students on the Union campus. He has represented Union with Christ-centered excellence both on this campus and off. I will always be grateful for his investment in the life of this university and for his special and personal encouragement to me.鈥�
Greg Thornbury, dean of Union鈥檚 School of Christian Studies, will serve as acting minister to the university until the role is filled permanently. Andy Pettigrew, Union鈥檚 director of student ministries, will serve as acting director of campus ministries.