C O V E R S T O R Y
Fresh Wind.
The Tennessee Metropolitan Jurisdiction
exists solely to serve others. As a hybrid of
church and modern styling, the jurisdiction
mirrors in its branding the fresh fire of the
Holy Ghost. Indeed, it was the fire of the
Holy Spirit which gave power and boldness
to the early church on the day of Pentecost,
where 3,000 souls were added to the Church!
From this release of empowerment, the church
continued to grow in number and strength,
spreading like a fire to neighboring cities and
nations. With this same fortitude, the Tennessee
Metropolitan Jurisdiction emerged to galvanize
an army of soldiers, boldly professing the name
of Jesus Christ and up building the Kingdom.
The vision and the mission of the jurisdiction is to
provide connection, accountability, empowerment,
fellowship, covering, and inspiration to pastors
and local churches that will result in the saving
of souls; ministry growth and development;
and the strengthening of leaders and workers.
At present, 40 pastors have connected to the
jurisdiction and others are preparing to join.
Local congregations are growing and
multiplying into healthier, and more
authentic churches, able to reflect the
true plan of God.
Bishop Dillard expresses, “Change is
never comfortable, yet it is necessary.
Relevant and true change comes with
sacrifice and un-comfortability. With this
premise, establishment of a new jurisdiction
in Tennessee presents an opportunity for new
churches, fellowships, and pastors to connect
with COGIC. Additionally, this change of a
new jurisdiction in Tennessee adds to the
strength and growth of the denomination
as well as making an even greater impact
in the Tri-State area.”
Under the leadership of Bishop Dillard,
Tennessee Metropolitan Jurisdiction has
become a safe haven and an anchor for
pastors and congregants. In a powerful
interview with Bishop Dillard, he
expressed, “I want to empower Pastors
to embrace people, knowledge and
resources.
For example, in our quarterly Executive
Leadership Forums, which replace the
traditional monthly jurisdictional meetings,
Tennessee Metropolitan constituents gather
for a time of strategy and implementation,
while conducting organizational health
checks. It is important for leaders to hear
the areas of improvements combined with
what is working from congregants. This
is important to the overall functionality
of ministry and this is what pastors should
not be afraid to confront. Together, all
leaders should seek to undergird the
mission of the Jurisdiction, which is made
up of the various churches, providing multiple
opportunities for leveraging or buying power,
mentorship, professional services, banking,
covering, connection, growth, and support.”
Within the jurisdiction, the posture is
exceptional in that it provides leadership
trainings and “power” sessions via the
High-Impact Leadership Webinar Series.
These webinars are developed to bring in
the best and the brightest minds from both
the faith-based and corporate sectors who
share insight, practical information, tools and
resources to men and women who have the
high calling of leadership and ministry. As
equipping teams with strategy and structure
are primary components of the jurisdiction,
the annual Church Development and Workers
Conference will be open to all leaders, of all
denominations, to ignite passion and recharge
modules of leadership. Through specialized
trainings, and the offering of practical skills,
administrators, church leaders, and support
teams will be given resources for personal and
community transformation.
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