JEFFERSON CITY — Tennessee Baptist Convention leaders and pastors gathered Thursday to pray for Randall O’Brien and his wife Kay on the verge of his inauguration as Carson-Newman president.
The morning chapel, which was attended by hundreds of students, faculty and staff, coincided with the college’s fall pastors conference.
Marvin Cameron, pastor of First Baptist Church, Kingsport, and chairman of the college’s board of trustees, opened the service by saying that his group had sought out a person who would lead the college in distinction and dignity, put primarily under the Lordship of Christ.” He said he believed O’Brien was that person and welcomed the couple on behalf of the board.
TBC Executive Director-Treasurer James Porch led those gathered in a responsive reading and affirming challenge. Saying that the day was a “recognition of God’s hand on and calling of Randall O’Brien,” Porch called on all Tennessee Baptists to pray for and support the new president as well as C-N’s students, faculty, staff and trustees.
Richard Emmert, C-N trustee and pastor of Morristown’s Manley Baptist Church, prayed for O’Brien as fellow trustees who are pastors whispered words of encouragement to the president.
Danny Sinquefield, president of the TBC, preached from the fourth chapter of Nehemiah. He said he believes that, like the Old Testament hero who led the effort to rebuild Jerusalem, O’Brien is “the right man for the right time for the right job.”
Sinquefield said he was especially moved by what the prayer service conveyed about O’Brien’s commitment to C-N’s relationship with its denominational affiliate.
“That’s what I appreciate so much about this whole atmosphere; the investment, the involvement, the re-connection and partnership to strengthen work with Tennessee Baptist churches. The intentionality of what’s happening here today is not lost on us who serve across this great state,” said Sinquefield.
“We are grateful and thankful for your leadership,” he said to O’Brien.
