51����

JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 16, 2021 — Despite the hardships many churches have faced in the past 18 months, 51���� President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver challenged West Tennessee pastors to fight the impulse to withdraw from leading others.

Oliver was the keynote speaker at the annual banquet Union hosts in appreciation of West Tennessee pastors and their wives Sept. 14 in the Carl Grant Events Center. Along with a performance by Union’s Voices of Proclamation, the night included messages of encouragement from both students and faculty.

Referencing 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15, Oliver said it is tempting to “sow sparingly” when growth seems nonexistent.

“Remember that people grow in spurts — not in some simple, straightforward, always-the-same, measured ways,” Oliver said. “This word is so important because it reminds us to take our eyes off the circumstances and to focus instead on eternity.”

Reflecting on the Scripture, Oliver reminded the audience that whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. The point, Oliver said, is to keep sowing.

“Let’s cheerfully give of ourselves out of the overflow of our hearts because of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, knowing that God is able in all things at all times — even in this,” Oliver said.

As the pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Trenton, Tenn., Joel Pigg said Union’s support for the local church is incredibly important. As a Union alumnus, he said it means a lot to have an institution investing in local church leaders like himself.

Ray Van Neste, dean for the School of Theology and Missions, said serving and being a resource to the church is important to Union as it strives to encourage and support local leaders.

“The local church is the centerpiece of God’s work in the world,” Van Neste said to the audience. “So, we are honored to be co-laborers with you.”

As he shared his testimony with the audience, Brennan Kress, a senior Christian studies major, said his studies at Union helped him discover the “richness of the word of God.” At Union, Kress realized the truly life-changing nature of the Bible, and Kress said God used each class to encourage, edify and sanctify him.

“The truth is, ‘Christian’ is not just in the name at Union,” Kress said. “‘Christian’ is part of the identity.”

In moments when it feels like an entire generation is turning away from God, Kress encouraged the audience to remember that the Lord is equipping the next generation of Christian leaders at Union and in their own communities.

“Jesus did tell us that the harvest was great, and the workers were few,” Kress said. “But, he never told us that there wouldn't be enough. People in your congregations are hungry for the word of God, so my encouragement to you is just keep feeding them.”