Terryl Jackson is the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Belaire Cove and recently shared how he continues to be a religious leader and what he does to help out the church.
Question: When did you become a pastor?
Answer: In March of 2011 I began serving as Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church in the Belaire Cove Community
Question: What do you get, spiritually, from being a leader at Macedonia Baptist Church? What do you enjoy about leading the congregation there?
Answer: Spiritually, I am fulfilling my purpose. I truly believe I was born to lead people, so it’s become spiritually gratifying to know I’m helping others find and fulfill their life’s purpose also.
I enjoy the people! The congregants of the Macedonia Church are some of the most loving and caring people in the world. They have opened their homes and hearts and have made my wife and I a part of their families. Our church’s motto is, “We love you to life,” and I absolutely love being around people who have embraced and embody the true essence of what it means to love.
Question: What kind of impact do you try to impart on your congregations as their leader?
Answer: It is my hope our congregation heeds the teachings of Jesus Christ, follows Christian tenants as set forth in the Bible, and live as examples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Additionally, I try to live out those same principles daily in my own life so that I may model for the people the words of Paul, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Question: What are some of the issues you see today among your congregations — what are people’s worries and concerns?
Answer: Today it seems we’re all worried about the “novel coronavirus” as it sweeps across the entire world, and who to trust as it relates to the information given about the virus. i.e. where did it come from? Is it man-made? How is it transmitted? Do I have it? Should I wear a mask or not; and the list of questions goes on and on.
I believe one of the greatest worries our congregations has (and this worry existed long before Covid-19 became Page 1 news) whom do you trust? The Bible speaks of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). It also tells us how to identify the good guys from the bad guys. The Bible says, you will know them by the type of fruit they bear.” My advice would be to follow the Bible’s teachings and examine those who lead and give information, and follow those who display “good fruit.” That is to say, fruit with evidence of good results. If there is evidence of bad results, then those who give that information should not be trusted, myself included.
Question: What are some of the ways you are addressing world issues with your congregation?
Answer: I believe in the butterfly effect. It’s what Jesus was referring to when he told the parable about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). I do my best to teach our church, If everyone takes care of his neighbor as the Holy Book advises, then many of the world’s issues will be resolved. That sounds simple, but in light of what the world is experiencing, so is washing your hands and staying home.