51����

JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 12, 2024 — 51���� President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver encouraged local pastors and their wives to focus relentlessly, love deeply and commit completely as they shepherd their churches.

“Brothers and sisters, what you do is great,” Oliver said. “It’s truly great, so remind yourself of that, and don’t ever forget it.”

Oliver was the featured speaker at the university’s annual Pastors and Wives Appreciation Banquet Sept. 10 in the Carl Grant Events Center. He told pastors that the more they attempt to accomplish, the more some people will stand in their way. His reminders to them were an encouragement to make sure their leadership is good and godly.

“I am overwhelmed every time I get the opportunity to preach the word of God,” Oliver said. “I’m overwhelmed how good God is to me generally. And I love what we do at Union. I look in awe and wonder at what happens in this place. How good God is to me that he lets me be a part of this. I want you to have that same wonder about the church that God has given you to lead.”

Jeff Palmer, the transitional pastor at Parkview Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn., said he was inspired by Oliver’s words.

“It’s always good,” Palmer said. “He’s always gracious. He’s always very wise in his presentation and encouraging to the pastors, so it’s always good to hear Dub speak.”

The night began with a welcome and prayer from Justin Wainscott, associate dean of Union’s School of Theology and Missions, followed by a missionary update from Chris Julian, Union’s missionary-in-residence, and song selections performed by Voices of Proclamation. Oliver gave various updates about Union before his address, and the evening concluded with a benediction from Wainscott.

The appreciation banquet is an event that resonates with the pastors and their wives as they get the chance to hear from their peers and come together in a time of food and fellowship.

“It’s encouraging to be around others in the ministry,” said Mark Warren, the pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Greenfield, Tenn. “And tonight, there were parts that were really encouraging, but then there were parts that were challenging to us in ministry. [Oliver’s address] hit the nail on the head.”