Jan. 10, 2013
For Immediate Release
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Dr. G. Ted Taylor, professor of Christian studies, director of the Leadership/Character/Development Institute and lead professor of sports ministry program at Campbellsville University, is serving as transitional pastor at Beacon Hill Baptist Church in Somerset, Ky.
Taylor just completed a successful transitional pastorate at Campbellsville Baptist Church. He has served local churches both full time and bi-vocationally for 40 years.
“Service as a transitional pastor is an important role in the 21st century church,” the Rev. John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president at Campbellsville University, said.
Chowning, who pastors Saloma Baptist Church as a bivocational minister, said, “Dr. Ted Taylor has been a pioneer in this form of pastoral leadership and brings multiple gifts as a pastor, preacher, teacher and servant leader to his duties at Beacon Hill Baptist Church.”
Chowning said Taylor will connect to the community at large while providing “strong and compassionate pastoral leadership to the Beacon Hill family.”
Campbellsville University president Michael V. Carter said, “Dr. Ted Taylor is a very gifted pastor and preacher in addition to his years of service at Campbellsville University as a valued faculty member in the School of Theology.
“He has served in similar roles at several other churches as well as having served as a senior pastor and as a staff member. We are very grateful that CU is able to partner in this manner with Beacon Hill Baptist Church.”
Taylor, who has served Campbellsville University since 1994, is director of CU's Leadership/Character Development Institute and is lead professor of the sports ministry program.
Taylor said the vision of the School of Theology is to “prepare Christian servant leaders to become world changers for Christ.”
“The vision of the School of Theology and the mission of the local church are about growing the Kingdom together for God's glory,” he said.
Taylor also served as transitional pastor at Columbia Baptist Church in Columbia, Ky. two years.
“I am privileged to serve at a university where a large number of faculty and staff serve in bi-vocational roles in local churches,” he said. He said CU president Michael V. Carter, and other administrators, encourages serving the local church.
“As a servant leader,” Taylor said, “I want to use my gifts, serving alongside the ministerial staff, to guide Beacon Hill Baptist Church in taking a first step into a new season for the church.
“I can't wait to see how God will guide this process over the next months.”
Taylor received his associate of arts degree from Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tenn. in 1972; his bachelor of science in business administration/marketing from the University of Tennessee in 1972; his master of arts in Christian education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville in 1981 and his doctorate in education in 1987 from Memphis State University in Memphis, Tenn.
He was born in Knoxville, Tenn., and is married to Sheri Marie Jones Taylor. They have two children, Ashley Jessie and grandchildren, Taylor and Carson Jessie; and a son, Brannon Taylor and grandchildren Reece, Rylee and Will Taylor.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.