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. Before my appointment to McFarland/Simpson UMC, I was the Associate Pastor of Ooltewah United Methodist Church (OUMC) in Ooltewah, TN. Initially, as the Associate Pastor of Ooltewah United Methodist Church (OUMC), I facilitated church growth through small group organization and development. I was also the staff administrator organizing service opportunities for congregants to offer their gifts and talents to this greater church. Another aspect of my position was serving as the Digital Pastor for our online congregation. My overarching role was to support the Lead Pastor in ordering the spiritual and temporal activities of the church. I served in this capacity from July 2021 until my appointment to McFarland UMC/Simpson UMC on July 1, 2024. I was ordained as an Elder in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church on June 9, 2024. 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.
