Memphis Black Churches Have A Combined Attendance of 750
Ballards Recruit Ten New Pastors and Congregations

Who could have believed the Church of the Nazarene would ever have ten black churches in any one city? But that's what we have in Memphis, TN-with more on the way. The Tennessee District has ten congregations in the Memphis area operating at varying stages of congregational maturity. The combined worship attendance is more than 750 on a typical Sunday. And the future looks bright-these pastors report that 35 persons have been called into the ministry in their congregations. God has used JoeAnn and Monroe Ballard as the human connection to introduce potential pastors to the message and mission of the Church of the Nazarene. At the same time, the Ballards have introduced potential pastors to district and general leaders; some of these pastors lead congregations that join the denomination when their pastors join.

The Ballards' long-term faith ministry in Memphis helps create an atmosphere of confidence and credibility both for denominational leaders and for those who are looking for a spiritual home.

District Superintendent Bob Broadbooks and his associate, Bill Weisman, give careful attention to doctrinal issues to all who express interest in becoming Nazarenes. This Memphis strategy sounds much like the early history of our denomination when individuals and sometimes whole congregations came seeking a spiritual home among the Nazarenes.

THE TENNESSEE DISTRICT PLAN FOR RECRUITING BLACK PASTORS

I believe that in every large city in the US and Canada, there are Black pastors with congregations who believe in holiness. Many of these congregations long for fellowship with like-minded congregations. They are discovering the positive difference in connecting with a denomination that can increase their effectiveness locally and around the world.

In Memphis, TN, Dr. JoeAnn Ballard has been the catalyst to introduce many dynamic Black pastors to the Church of the Nazarene. They are now seeking us. Periodically, she will tell me of a potential pastor. After meeting with the pastor to determine if we have a theological affinity, I have some of our other Black pastors to meet with the pastor to determine if they are comfortable with the new pastor. If the pastor and congregation are interested, we will designate them a mission for a year. This offers ample time to determine if there is a match. We also enroll the new pastor in our Memphis Bible Institute to continue to instill our doctrine and polity.

-by Bob Broadbooks, Tennessee District Superintendent