Rescheduled March 1 event to explore “The role of the Black church”

Carson-Newman University hosts Dr. Ternae Jordan, Sr., pastor of Chattanooga’s Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, on Tuesday, March 1 at Jefferson City’s First Baptist Church. The event, which was rescheduled, is from 6:30—8 p.m. and open to the public. The event will also be streamed live at: cn.edu/liveThe event will also be streamed live at: cn.edu/live

“We are excited about welcoming Dr. Ternae Jordan, Sr. to Mossy Creek for Black History Month,” said Gloria Walker, vice president for Student Services. “Dr. Jordan will present a Biblical insight into the role of the Black church as he shares his well-documented experiences.”

Walker said that C-N’s Ashley Caradine, director of the Department of Multicultural Services, along with the Division of Student Services have a vision to bring awareness to how Black Americans have shaped history for many years. “Bringing [Dr. Jordan] to our campus will launch the start of several planned ongoing initiatives aimed at educating our campus community, our Jefferson City Community, and the surrounding areas,” said Walker.

Jordan, a Chattanooga native noted for his sense of humor, possesses a passion for serving God and compassion for reaching people that extends far beyond pastoral duties and impacts entire communities. 

A second-generation minister, Jordan began pastoring at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Chattanooga before serving 15 years at the Greater Progressive Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He also served as program director of the Value-Based Initiative, which provided practical ways that a faith-based community can be effectively involved with making the City of Fort Wayne a safer community. Through VBI, he was instrumental in improving relations between the Fort Wayne minority community and the police department.

Over the years, Jordan served in several roles that allowed him to offer insight and wisdom into strengthening and bettering communities. This included him serving as a representative for the House-Senate Republican Faith-Based Leadership Summit held in Washington, D.C. He was also selected by SafeCities of the U.S. Department of Justice, to serve on a national panel to discuss safety and after-school programs.

With a heart for his community, Jordan is often looked to for his leadership, serving on such boards as Purpose Point Community Resource Center, United Way, chair for the National Day of Prayer, Ruth Graham Crusade and Day of Service, and the Pastors Prayer Team for the City of Chattanooga.

He and his wife Angela Faye Jordan have three children: Ternae Jr., DeJuan, and JaMichael.