As y’all know, I announced my retirement last fall. My last Sunday in the pulpit will be June 16th. This past Sunday, the announcement came that the Reverend Dr. Jacqueline Davis-Gines will be your new pastor as of July 1, 2024.
Here is her information:
My name is Jacqueline Marie Davis-Gines. I was born in Seneca, South Carolina. I attended Seneca High School. I am a 1984 Byrnes Scholar. I graduated from Clemson University in 1988 with a BA Degree in Sociology. I earned a Master of Science Degree in Sociology from Mississippi State University in 1990. I was named Outstanding Sociology Student and Outstanding Graduate Woman at Mississippi State University. I went on to earn a PhD in Sociology / Social Psychology from Iowa State University in 1993.
In August 1993, I became an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Memphis State University, later named the University of Memphis. In November of the same year, I married the love of my life, Mr. Marlin Douglas Gines. I remained on staff at the university for 5 yrs. During my tenure at U of M, I gave birth to two wonderful children. My eldest is a daughter, Maiya Dominique Gines, born September 29, 1995. My youngest is a son, Matthew Daniel Gines, born January 17, 1998. Maiya graduated from O’More College in Franklin, Tennessee. Matthew is a graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.
After the birth of my second child, I moved into the non-profit sector. I worked for Whitehaven Southwest Mental Health Center as the Director of Research and Development from 1998-2000. While on staff there, I developed a separate non-profit, Housing Efforts for Low-income Persons In Need of Greater Support (HELPING, CDC). I worked as Executive Director from 2000 to 2006. In 2006, we moved from Memphis to Lawrenceville, Georgia. My husband, an electrical engineer who worked for Memphis Light, Gas, and Water, was offered a position as a Regional Manager for Synergetic Designs. While in Lawrenceville, I worked for Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. I started as a Membership Specialist; but, soon became a Regional Director. I resigned my position in 2010; when my husband was offered a position with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Consulting Firm in Chattanooga, TN. He is currently the Branch Manager at the Chattanooga location. In Chattanooga, I became an Associate Pastor with a charge to Youth and Young Adults at St. John United Methodist Church. I served in this position from September 2012 – June 2018. I have been struggling with a call to Ministry since I was 15 years old. But, growing up Baptist, it was not a career a woman could have. While in Memphis, I changed from Baptist to United Methodist; because, the Methodist accepted women Pastors; but, the Missionary Baptist Church I attended did not. While at Capleville United Methodist Church, I started a Master of Divinity; but, with life changes and challenges, never completed the degree. Since moving to Chattanooga, I have become a Local Pastor and a certified candidate for ordained ministry.
I am a 2020 graduate with a Master of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. I also served on the staff at Gammon as their Director of Recruitment, Retention and Alumni Development from 2018-2022. I am currently the Associate Pastor of Ooltewah United Methodist Church (OUMC) in Ooltewah, TN. I am currently working on becoming an elder in full connection in the United Methodist Church system (and I am scheduled to be ordained as an Elder in the Holston Conference at this upcoming Annual Conference). Initially, as the Associate Pastor of Ooltewah United Methodist Church (OUMC), I facilitated church growth through small group organization and development. Due to a recent shift to a Family Ministry Model, I am now the Congregational Care Pastor. I am also the staff administrator organizing service opportunities for congregants to offer their gifts and talents to this great church. Another aspect of my position is serving as the Digital Pastor for our online congregation. My overarching role is to support the Lead Pastor in ordering the spiritual and temporal activities of the church. I have served in this capacity since July 2021. I enjoy gardening, creative writing, reading, live theatre, and a variety of board games. My favorite times are those spent playing and laughing with my family.
I am very excited to join you all in ministry. I know God has a wonderful plan for us. I look forward to getting to know everyone. I will visit you all very soon.
An update on what Pastor Wayne will be doing
In the meantime, I will share with you that I will fail in retirement (or, as an old friend stated, I haven’t even given retirement a chance). I have accepted the position of Minister of Pastoral Care at Christ United Methodist Church in East Brainerd beginning July 1. I will oversee a staff of Certified Lay Ministers who will assist me in providing that care.
My prayers are with you and I request your prayers for me and Jacqueline as we enter into this period of transition.
Quick Update
While preparing this post, I (Pastor Wayne) received word that Barbara Price had passed away this afternoon. We will pass along information about services as they become known.
