The Senior Pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church, Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr., has announced his plans to retire on January 31, 2019. If the church completes the process earlier, his retirement date could be as early as September 30, 2018.
During this transition process, the Senior Pastor, J. Alfred Smith, Jr., and the Assistant Pastor, Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, will continue in their respective roles, as Allen Temple Baptist Church functions normally, in accordance with God’s will and the stated mission of the church.
The church is not accepting applications at this time for the Senior Pastor position. We are beginning the process by pursuing guidance from the Holy Spirit and asking all church members to begin in fervent prayer for our church, our community, and each other. Please plan to attend the upcoming all-church Evening of Prayer on Thursday, September 21 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
In the upcoming weeks, you will receive more information about additional all-church prayer meetings, a series of town hall sessions, opportunities to provide input, and additions to the church web-site including a transition process landing page, and e-mail address for transitional process questions. Copies of Article VII, Section 1, The Calling of the Pastor, were made available with the Sr. Pastor’s retirement announcement, and will also be available at each town hall meeting.
As we go through this pastoral transition process, we reflect and are guided by 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Deacon Ted Carter
