JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 25, 2024 — Gaining valuable preaching experience, 51社区 students participated in a special preaching opportunity hosted by the Dyer Baptist Association Oct. 6, when six churches volunteered to open their pulpits to students from the School of Theology and Missions.
Adren Pearce, Union鈥檚 coordinator for chapel and church relations, said this opportunity is fruitful for both students and local churches.
鈥淚t benefits the students because they learn the practice of preparing and delivering a sermon,鈥� Pearce said. 鈥淚t helps with spiritual growth as the students spend extended time in God鈥檚 Word and in prayer in preparation for their sermons. The church is benefitted by the encouragement that comes from seeing young men faithfully pursue their calling into ministry.鈥�
Ray Van Neste, dean of the School of Theology and Missions and vice president of university ministries, said churches are often excited to see that God is still calling young men to preach.
鈥淭hese sorts of opportunities are vital as we seek to strengthen a ministry pipeline for churches in West Tennessee and beyond,鈥� he said.
Students within the School of Theology and Missions with an interest in pastoral ministry are invited to sign up for this opportunity. Jack Hewitt, a freshman biblical studies/languages major from Nolensville, Tennessee, said he had never formally preached to a congregation.
鈥淭his was an exciting prospect but also mildly terrifying,鈥� he admitted. However, he said his biggest takeaway from the experience was learning to relax and trust the Lord to direct his preaching.
鈥淚 was astounded by the power of the Spirit working in me in my message,鈥� he said. Joseph Gates, a freshman from Carmi, Illinois, had spoken to youth before, but this was the first time he had spoken to an older audience. Although he was worried his sermon wouldn鈥檛 be long enough, the church treated him well.
鈥淭here are many small churches that are filled with sweet people,鈥� Gates said. The pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Dyersburg, Shawn Allred, said his church had a great experience and only had positive feedback to offer after they opened their pulpit to Union student Isaac Smith.
鈥淚 would encourage the students to capitalize on their opportunity to preach or teach God鈥檚 Word,鈥� Allred said. 鈥淭his will prepare them for their future ministry plans in a way the classroom cannot.鈥�
The student preaching opportunity has only received encouraging comments from participating churches, according to Dennis Jones, director of missions for the Dyer Baptist Association. Jones invited students to return to the Baptist Collegiate Ministry on the campus of Dyersburg State Community College after the evening services to have dinner and discuss their experiences.
Associations in West Tennessee interested in hosting a similar event can contact Pearce at apearce@uu.edu.