New Pastor: Bruce Chesser

Sunday July 26, 2009 ~ 10 Comments

Well, it's official. By an overwhelming vote (over 99%), my church has called Bruce Chesser to be its new pastor. Yes, most people knew that last week, but I did not want to put it on my blog until Bruce had the opportunity to share it with his church.

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The news actaully broke in the local section of The Tennessean the week before last. The Tennessean reported:

For only the second time in 50 years, First Baptist Church of Hendersonville members could elect a new senior pastor this Sunday.

Members learned this week through a mass mail-out that its nine-member pastor search team has nominated Arkansas minister Dr. Bruce Chesser to lead the nearly 10,000-member congregation.

Chesser will preach at three worship services on Sunday.

Of course, Bruce and Joy Chesser did come last Sunday. I had a chance to visit with him in my / his office and listened to him preach three times. You could tell just from watching the congregation that he was enthusiastically received-- except, maybe, when he said "roll tide." ;-) (Funny note: the former pastor was a big Alabama fan and, though I am not a big college football fan, Alabama is as close I get to having a team. Must be a sign.)

The first article had a little about the history of the church as well:

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[Former pastor Glenn] Weekley passed away Sept. 11, 2007 after suffering a heart attack while being treated in the hospital for adencarcinoma, a form of cancer. He was 59.
The beloved pastor had celebrated his 20-year anniversary with the church in July. Under Weekley's leadership, First Baptist grew from 2,700 members in 1987 to more than 8,900 members at the time of his death. The church currently has 9,784 members and an annual operating budget of nearly $9.5 million.

Pastor Emeritus Courtney Wilson - best known for ministering to June and Johnny Cash - led the church for 28 years prior to Weekley's tenure from 1957 to 1985.

Ed Stetzer, president of Lifeway Research, has been the church's interim teaching pastor since Weekley's death.

It is worth taking a moment to consider-- this church has had two pastors in 50 years. Having served there for just under two years, I can tell you that the longevity of ministry has had a huge positive impact on the church.

The Tennessean had another story after last Sunday's messages that explained the services:

Chesser delivered sermons Sunday, July 19 to three packed worship services at the 9,800-member church - one of the largest within the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

After introducing himself as an Alabama native, husband and father of two sons, Chesser preached a sermon about what it means to "worship authentically" based on a chapter from the book of Isaiah.

This morning, Bruce resigned from his church, Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, and will begin here at First Baptist of Hendersonville on August 16th. My prayers are with he, Joy, and the folks at First Baptist. Although I will miss bringing the messages on Sundays, I know that they have a fine leader and a man of character who will be their pastor-- and that makes it easier to finish my time there.

As I wrap up my time, I will preach the next three weeks on "Being a Healthy Church Member," and will say all those things that you should say before the new pastor comes so he does not have to. ;-)

Welcome, Bruce Chesser, to Hendersonville. They are a good people and I know you will lead them well.

Posted on July 26, 2009 at 10:05 AM ~ 10 Comments

Tagged with: fbc, hendersonville, pastor

10 Comments

By Ronnie Barker on July 26, 2009 2:41 PM

Bruce is a great pastor. We were fortunate enough to have him here at Geyer Springs for the past six years. I have never met a man who is so Godly as Bruce is. Though we will miss him we know that it is God's will. He is a great man of God and is so personable. He was a great pastor, mentor and friend for me while here at Geyer Springs FBC.
God Bless you and your church as he makes the transition there.

By Susan Richardson on July 26, 2009 5:13 PM

Mr. Ronnie Barker, you are a man who is full of grace. I thank you for your well wishes.

By Rick Vinson on July 27, 2009 7:24 AM

Mr. Barker,
Please know that your church was being lifted up in prayer by the members of FBCH even before we knew what church Bruce was presently serving. We will continue to pray that in God's timing the man he has for your church will be reviled. Thank you for you words indicating God's plan.

By Marti Rippy on July 27, 2009 9:12 AM

We are so very thankful to God for His Hand of protection during the search for our new pastor. We can hardly wait until August 16th! How blessed we have been to be taught God's Word by Ed Stetzer. During the worst of times Ed stayed strong even in spite of his unbelievable travel schedule. Ed, you will never know how much we love you and appreciate you, even if you didn't know anything about the way "southerner's speak"...I'm just saying. Our prayers are with Geyer Springs....we have found over and over again as will Geyer Springs...God is good all the time....and all the time God is good!

By Ron West on July 27, 2009 11:37 PM

Bruce Chesser will be missed not only by his church but by Arkansas Baptists. He was a voice of reason and wisdom in our state convention and I know he will continue that role in Tennessee. He will be missed.

By Carol Pack, FBC, Spearman, TX on July 28, 2009 2:04 PM

Bro. Ed ~ & FBC, Hendersonville. TN
You are so blessed! Bruce Chesser's first pastorate after seminary was here at FBC, Spearman, Texas. He had a dynamic ministry here; we didn't keep him long. (Always believed it was as much his mother as God calling him back to Alabama with the arrival of his & Joy's first child!) He left a very positive, godly impression here that is still in place today as he is held in high respect and esteem even after more than 30 years. We love Bruce & Joy! He has such a deep heart for the Lord and for people, and God has used him in incredible ways as we knew He would when Bruce moved from here. Please consider this a word of the upmost affirmation that God will move in powerful and mighty ways in and through your church under Bruce's pastoral leadership. It was my privilege to serve as his Min. of Music for a time before he moved, and this communication comes, as well, from Mary Baker who was, and still is, our ministry assistant. We endorse Bruce and Joy as they come to you and pledge them and FBC, Hendersonville, our love and prayers for what we are sure will be bright and exciting years of ministry for the Kingdom of God.

By Ken Shaddox on July 29, 2009 4:14 PM

As a fellow pastor in Arkansas I know that Bruce Chesser will be missed in Arkansas. He is a great pastor and the kind of man any church would want to stand in their pulpit. I learned from his example and know that he will be a rich blessing at FBC Hendersonville.

By Ed Stetzer on July 29, 2009 11:41 PM

Those are some great words to hear.

By Lisa Bailey on August 2, 2009 1:39 PM

We have been so blessed to have Dr. Bruce Chesser as our pastor. God placed him in our lives at a time when we desperately needed counseling and leadership. God was able to reveal his plan for us and for our family through Dr. Chesser. He is truly a Godly man, and we will miss him terribly. However, we have faith. We believe Romans 8:28 and know that God is never taken by surprise. He is preparing a new pastor for Geyer Springs at this very moment. Therefore, we send Dr. Bruce to you with many prayers and good wishes for his service and for your church.

By Linda Hiller on August 16, 2009 3:53 PM

Bruce and Joy were truly a blessing in the short time God let us have them. You are truly blessed to have him as your pastor.
My mother-in-law loved cooking for him and Joy. Joy was in a ladies' ensemble singing group and has the gift of such a beautiful voice.