University’s new center honors longtime Knoxville pastor

A new center at Carson-Newman University is designed to equip and support aspiring and current pastors not only to preach, but lead their congregations. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, the University launched The Doug Sager Center for Preaching and Pastoral Ministry during a dedication luncheon on campus, honoring longtime Knoxville pastor, Dr. Doug Sager.

“We are excited about this new opportunity to prepare pastors and ministry leaders across Tennessee,” said Carson-Newman President Charles A. Fowler. “What a tremendous opportunity to equip church leaders while honoring the legacy of one of East Tennessee’s most beloved pastors, Dr. Doug Sager. Dr. Sager’s commitment to impacting the world for Christ was witnessed throughout his ministry and stands as a shining example of servant-leadership. It is fitting to connect his name to this new program that will help those who have a passion to advance the Gospel through their pastoral ministry and their churches.”

The Doug Sager Center for Preaching and Pastoral Ministry will train, encourage and empower Tennessee pastors and ministry leaders for faithful gospel service. It combines biblical foundations with practical ministry training to prepare church leaders to grow churches and advance Christ’s kingdom.

The center uniquely offers the ability to earn two ministry certificates as well as an Associate Degree in Christian Leadership at the local level. Carson-Newman is partnering with directors of missions and associational missionaries to deliver on-the-job training and classroom learning. The classes, taught by pastors, will be offered in their home associations.

“We all have our names for brother Doug,” said Knoxville lawyer Greg Coleman to those in attendance. “Father, husband, pastor, teacher, preacher, but I will say for me it was “friend.” Mr. Coleman shared how Dr. Sager impacted his life at a critical time. It was an experience Coleman never forgot. Because he was forever changed by that encounter, he was led to help establish the University’s new center in honor of his friend. Coleman’s support is backed by the belief that he is one of many whose life has been shaped by the gospel, and that the same can happen for countless others through the center’s work.

“There are many East Tennessee pastors throughout our Baptist associations who have not had the opportunity for formal education or training,” explained Dr. Jonathan Akin, the University’s vice president for Church Relations and Campus Ministries. “There are also a lot of churches that have open positions and have no one to fill them. But there are people in those churches who have a heart for Jesus and would love to be able to serve in ministry. They just need to be equipped and taught.”

That’s where the new center comes in. The initial response to the new offering has been affirming according to Akin.

“We’ve had associations all across East and Middle Tennessee wanting to join. They’re interested and want to partner with us in order to empower people in their associations to be able to carry out faithful ministry and service in the church.”

Before his passing in 2018, Sager served as pastor of Knoxville’s Concord Baptist Church for 20 years. Prior to leading the congregation at Concord, he pastored churches in Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and leading congregations in Tennessee. Noted for his humble spirit, he held various positions over the years in the Southern Baptist Convention, Tennessee Baptist Convention and Alabama Pastor’s Association. He devoted his life to sharing the Good News and living out what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

For more information about the program, contact Dr. Jonathan Akin at [email protected] or call 865-471-3312.