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 next phase in the transition process is to engage the congregation in the seating of the Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee. The search committee nomination process will run from now through December 31, 2017. In February 2018, the church will vote on a committee of 15 members that will do the work of the Pastoral/Pulpit Search with regular updates to the church. Here is a document that provides an overview of the Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee criteria:

Characteristics of a Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee Member

• A Pastoral/Pulpit Search Committee member is one who:
  • Has demonstrated good level of spiritual maturity
  • Has the trust and respect of the congregation
  • Can share the vision of what can be
  • Can keep the confidence within the group
  • Understands and can articulate what the church needs
  • Has a good level of trust in God’s working in and through the process
  • Is willing to learn the search process, and willing to do homework
  • Has a good sense of denominational identity and commitment
  • Is positive and optimistic
  • Is willing to make the responsibility a high priority in his or her life. The expected time commitment is 15-20 hours each month
  • Is willing to work toward consensus and abide by the group’s decision
  • Is open to the candidacy of all persons whom God might be calling to his congregation without regard to age, race, gender, physical ability, or marital status

• How to submit your nomination
  • Download nomination form here Word Format PDF Format
  • Submit your completed form to:
    • A Deacon
    • Your cluster leader
    • The locked box located in the back of the church
    • Or by email to the Pastoral transition email address: transition@allen-temple.org

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, November 16 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, November 30 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, December 14 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

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.

Peace and Blessings,
Deacon Ted Carter, Chairperson, Deacons Ministry

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