Advertisement
| Rev. Tadera White takes role as new Pastor of Greater New Heights |
 |
 |
 |
| Religion News |
| Written by Chianti C. Cleggett |
| Thursday, 17 May 2012 09:56 |
 Rev. Tadera White can bring people to laughter and tears through his sermons. His messages teach real-life lessons utilizing God’s Word. On Sunday, May 20th at 3 p.m., White will be installed as Pastor of Greater New Heights Baptist Church in North Birmingham. Rev. Gregory L. Clarke of New Hope Baptist Church will preach the sermon. White joined New Hope in 1998, began serving as youth minister in 2000, and later became Clarke’s assistant pastor. “Much of what I have learned over the past 12 years is because of him,” said White, adding that Clarke remains one of his biggest inspirations. “He gave me opportunities and exposure.” White was nine when he received the calling on his life and 11 when he delivered his first sermon. “It took me nearly three years to really understand what was happening to me. I preached my first message Feb. 18, 1996 at a small church in Ensley, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, my grandfather’s church.” White’s grandfather, Rev. James White, along with his mother, Glenda, have been great influences throughout his life. “My mother was my biggest fan,” he recalled. “She always inspired me to be the best. She wouldn’t allow me to be anything less than that.” He continued, “My grandfather wasn’t a friend in ministry as much as he was a mentor and a coach. He was hard on me and made sure that I always had something decent to say,” said White. “I’ll always admire and respect him for that because he didn’t want to see me fail.” White has built upon that foundation. His message is that the Word offers a life plan. Still, one of his biggest challenges remains skepticism from elders who question the message because of the messenger’s age. “My response is that I’m not so much telling you about life as I am telling you about the Word,” said White, 28. “The Word of God speaks about every situation in life. Whether you have experienced something or not, the Word is the Word and God’s standards don’t change.” White received the invitation to preach at Greater New Heights last summer. He shared his first sermon there in August. Seven months later, he began as Pastor-Elect. A Birmingham native, White has been married to Latoya, his high school sweetheart, nearly six years; they have one daughter, Trinity. As he moves fully into his position, he extends an invitation for others to visit the church. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m., church service at 11 a.m. Since arriving in March, White has welcomed 62 new members. He is working to grow all areas of ministry, further increase membership and create a dynamic youth department. “My biggest goal is to make sure I’m rightly devout in the Word so people are spiritually educated,” said White, whose Wednesday night 7 p.m. Bible study class is constantly packed. “[I preach] so that people have an understanding of what Christ said and what it means, so that we won’t live in error. And even if we do live in error, we’ll know that we have done it.” |
28.81% 