Being the pastor of one church for 30 years is a unique blessing; it is a blessing for which Jon Reaves, of Tannehill Valley Baptist Church, McCalla, is deeply grateful.
In the 11th grade Reaves sensed God calling him into the ministry but he did not act on it for two years. Then in June 1981 he shared that calling with his church family and focused his college education on ministry rather than preparing to be an agriculture teacher like he originally thought he would be.
Reaves earned a bachelor’s degree from Samford University in Birmingham in 1985 and a mastor of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1987.
When Reaves was called as pastor of Tannehill Valley Baptist (then First Baptist Church, Bucksville) in January 1988 it became home.
“These 30 years have given me an opportunity to grow up from being a ‘child’ in ministry to an adult,” Reaves said. “I am deeply grateful for a church family that exercised and continues to show great patience with their pastor and one another.”
Reaves’ foremost prayer has been for the unity of the Spirit to be known among the people for the gospel cause.
On Jan. 21, the church celebrated Reaves’ anniversary with a special service. He was presented with certificates by Lee Wright of the Alabama Bapitst State Board of Missions and Barry Cosper, director of missions for Bessemer Baptist Association.
Reaves and his wife of 32 years, Jennifer, have four daughters and one granddaughter. (Jessica Ingram)
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