JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 18, 2025 — God is doing tremendous things in normative-sized churches, Mark Clifton said to a crowd of local pastors and their wives at Union’s annual Pastors and Wives Appreciation Banquet Sept. 16.
“I am convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we really have gotten off track,” said Clifton, the North American Mission Board’s executive director of replant, revitalization and rural strategies. “We think that we've got to grow larger numerically to be faithful. The truth of the matter is that we just have to be faithful with the ones he’s given us. The Lord will build his church.”
Throughout the event, Clifton, the featured speaker, honored the work of local pastors, recognizing the struggles they face when leading congregations and uplifting them to continue in their callings. The banquet, held in the yield2Yield Conference Room in The Ethos Forum, included a buffet-style meal; an opening welcome by Ray Van Neste, dean of Union’s School of Theology and Missions; a brief testimony by Wes Chatham, coordinator for chapel and church relations; and a musical performance by Voices of Proclamation.
“This event is important because Union recognizes that the local church is the centerpiece of God’s work in the world,” Van Neste said. “Jesus has only one bride, and that’s the church. We find it a privilege and an honor to get to work alongside and be a resource to [pastors] in the kingdom.”
To support pastors in that kingdom work, Clifton shared wisdom from Matthew 11, explaining that even John the Baptist asked questions concerning God’s calling for his life. Due to his circumstances, outside influences and unmet expectations, John questioned whether Jesus was truly the one he was waiting for.
For pastors, Clifton said, it’s easy to become discouraged, especially when their churches are either not growing or simply decaying, a common problem within the Southern Baptist Convention that, according to Clifton, is not discussed as often as it should be.
“They close, frankly, because we've decided to do church our way instead of Jesus’ way,” Clifton said.
Clifton focused on the work of local pastors specifically, highlighting the daily challenges they face and his own experience leading a small, rural congregation.
“A lot of people don’t realize the depths of the struggles that pastors deal with,” said Adam Lickey, pastor of Northbrook Church in Jackson, Tennessee. “[Clifton] connected. He’s been through it and has gotten to the other side. He reminded me of the joy of my own calling and the eternal significance of what I’m doing.”
To Clifton, preaching week after week is only possible if he remembers that Christ has a purpose for each and every church. Satan’s strongest tool against pastors is discouragement; therefore, Clifton closed his message by stressing the importance of trusting in God and listening to his word and calling, not falling prey to outside influences or inner turmoil.
“I’ve noticed Sundays are often depressing for pastors because they’re expecting the Lord’s results in their own timing,” said Carol Burroughs, a pastor’s wife at Crossroads Baptist Church in Parsons, Tennessee. “It was so encouraging to hear these words. This event uplifts us, encourages us and gives us a start for the year.”