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 Vetting Committee has completed the Pulpit Search Committee interviews and the next phase in the transition process is to confirm the Pulpit Search Committee by church election. The Pulpit Search Committee will be responsible for the process of managing the Pastoral search process and bringing potential candidates forward for consideration by the church.

The Advisory Board will receive the recommendation for the 15 member Pulpit Search Committee, and 2 alternates, on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30pm. After the Advisory Board confirmation, the church will ratify the Pulpit Search Committee, at the church business meeting on Saturday, April 28 at 10:00am.

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also 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, April 5 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, April 19 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, May 3 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, May 17 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Let us continue to be active in our faith, pray continuously, love each other, and hold onto what is good, as we celebrate God’s continued love, mercy, and grace for the Allen Temple Baptist Church Community.

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