Dear Friends:

Last Fall, I was invited to preach at the ten year anniversary celebration of the church in Maryville, Tennessee that I helped found.

It was during the weeks of sermon preparation that it became very clear to me that God was telling me that it was time to go “home” and back to Tennessee.  I did not know when, how, or to what, but I had confidence that God wanted me to be open and willing.  He wanted my obedience.

Late April, I received a phone call from the Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church of Bearden in Knoxville.  He shared about an opening on their staff of Executive Pastor, and he asked me to pray about the position and to pray for the newly-formed search team.  Which, of course, I did.

During the months that followed it was very important to me that I did not just see this as an opportunity to return home—my parents,  my siblings, and my older daughter are all in the Knoxville area.  I prayed for peace and discernment.

As discussions continued, it became clear to the search team and to me that our prayers were being answered.

And, I am excited to announce that I have been called to serve as the Executive Pastor of Central Baptist of Bearden, effective September 1.

My heart is full  with gratitude that God allowed our paths to cross.

To say that the last five and a half years have flown by as I have served you as your Church Administrator would be an understatement.  My life is much richer by the relationships and friendships that have come from our time together.

I seek your prayers as I enter a new chapter of ministry and make another major transition.  I will be praying for you as well.

And, I hope that if you are ever in Knoxville…maybe to cheer on your Dawgs…that you will look me up and allow me to return the hospitality that you have shown this Volunteer!

Until we meet again,

Kelly Rose